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Video highlights from CCC: Canada’s largest and longest-running cardiovascular meet-up

The Beat’s editorial team hopped a train to Montreal last week to cover the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress (CCC), the largest gathering of cardiovascular and allied healthcare professionals in the country. We met with cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, researchers, nurses and other

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. Paradoxically though, staff at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) believe caregiving—and the psychological, emotional, physical, social and financial stresses that may come with it—also

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

The Beat is taking a short break for the summer. Before we go, we’re sharing some heart-healthy advice for you to have (safe) fun in the sun this August. That is to say, before you grab your sun glasses and beach towel, you’ll want to read this first. The Heart and the Heat Hot, humid weather can

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

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