Archive

Don’t miss a beat of this year’s Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Montreal

Cardiology experts from Canada and around the world will gather in Montreal next week to attend the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress (CCC), the largest gathering of cardiovascular and allied healthcare professionals in the country. The Congress draws hundreds of speakers highlighting innovations in

Cardiac caregivers: The invisible plus ones at the table

Tending to a sick loved one can be fulfilling, and it can bring deep satisfaction to a caregiver.

Heart Institute art project turns ceiling into healing

When Stephanie Colpitts’ mother-in-law became ill and had to be admitted to hospital, her family took great care in selecting and decorating her room with artwork from home to make her feel more comfortable. Despite their best efforts, her mother-in-law spent a great deal of time looking up at a

For long-term survival after heart surgery: Sex matters

Last year, research established heart failure-associated deaths and hospitalizations are higher in women than in men. Today, new research from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) suggests women are also faring worse than men when it comes to their chances of long-term survival after

Six hot tips to keep your heart cool

Hot, humid weather can place significant stress on the cardiovascular system. Bright sunlight, high humidity and lack of wind and shade challenge the body’s ability to dissipate heat and maintain a normal body temperature.

Canada needs cardiac rehab programs for all shapes and sizes

Cardiac rehabilitation is shown to be effective for improving morbidity and mortality and reducing subsequent events in patients with varying heart complications. However, researchers at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) contend that cardiac rehab programs do not benefit all patients

First-ever tool helps predict risk of infection after heart device implantation

Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) save lives – there’s no question about it. But, on rare occurrences, infections can lead to serious, often life-threatening complications. Last year, it was determined by science that more aggressive use of antibiotics around the time of device

Cannabis: It can be a heartbreaker

While some advocates contend marijuana is harmless, others are cautioning its long-term risks and benefits haven’t yet been carefully studied. One of the few things we do know is cannabis has notable effects on the heart, which, for some, are resulting in cardiovascular emergencies including heart attack, arrhythmias and stroke.

Online heart health calculators: Know your risk. Change your habits.

Cardiovascular disease is the world’s leading cause of death, but there are many behaviours you can change to decrease your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Online cardiovascular calculators, powered by big data and artificial intelligence (AI), are making it easier than ever before to help

Big data: An algorithm for profound change in heart health

Canadians are living amid an explosion of information and innovation thanks to significant advances in data science and technology. Capable of seeing patterns in big data that would otherwise remain undetectable by humans, finding the proverbial needle in the haystack is now not only possible but