Archive

Looking for New Ways to Target Powerful Cholesterol-Lowering Mechanism (AHA 2016)

A class of anti-cholesterol drugs called PCSK9 inhibitors has been in the press lately, and for good reason: they can reduce blood cholesterol levels substantially beyond what a statin alone can achieve. Two have made it to market so far for treating coronary artery disease, with more likely to come

Imaging Technology Expected to Enhance Patient Access to Cardiac PET Tests

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is a test used to assess the flow of blood to the heart muscle in patients with suspected or existing coronary artery disease, the most common form of heart disease. A sophisticated Canadian technology is expected to significantly enhance access to positron

Has the Time Come for Precision Medicine? (CCC 2016)

Precision medicine, tailored care, personalized medicine—these catch phrases all have been used over the last decade to represent similar visions for fundamentally changing the way health care is provided. The goal, in the broadest sense, is to move away from delivering care based on population

Cardiac Anesthesiologists: Master Facilitators and Providers of Critical Care

From the operating room and catheterization lab to the intensive care unit, cardiac anesthesiologists are central to patient care. Often, it is their role to shepherd the sickest and most complex patients through recovery. Stéphane Lambert, MD, is the recently appointed Division Head for Cardiac

First National Quality Report on Cardiovascular Care Released (CCC 2016)

Following the 2015 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress (CCC), The Beat reported on a joint initiative of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Canadian Institute for Health Information to develop and report on national quality indicators for cardiovascular care. At this year’s Congress, the

Highlights from the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress

There were a lot of interesting news, research and healthcare policy discussions at this year's conference. Has the Time Come for Precision Medicine? A physician argues that tailoring care to the individual will improve outcomes and reduce costs First National Quality Report on Cardiovascular Care

Awards and Recognition at CCC 2016

Ottawa Heart Institute staff and trainees featured prominently among award recipients again this year at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, with awards from several differ professional societies. Distinguished Teacher Award, Canadian Cardiovascular Society Kwan-Leung Chan, MD A cardiologist with

Helping Men Deal with the Emotional Impact of Heart Disease

Men and women tend to deal with life changing circumstances differently. Heart disease is no exception, and the issues men experience often are not specifically addressed. “Cultural expectations are that men shouldn’t show any emotions because that’s somehow perceived as weak,” said Heather Tulloch

Using Imaging to Diagnose and Understand Cardiac Sarcoidosis (CCC 2016)

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition that can affect multiple organs in the body. Cardiac sarcoidosis is a rare type in which clusters of white blood cells, called granulomas, form in the tissue of the heart. Affecting about 5% of people who suffer from sarcoidosis, it can impact the electrical

40th Anniversary Flashback: The RAFT Trial

Roughly half a million Canadians live with heart failure. The condition is an increasingly common one that can seriously impact an individual’s quality of life. Even when appropriately treated, hospital admission and readmission rates are stubbornly high. Traditionally, therapeutic implants called