Understanding Heart Transplants and the Importance of Regular Echocardiograms Simply put: a heart transplant is a procedure in which a failing heart is replaced with a donor heart. The goal of a cardiac transplant is not only to increase lifespan, but also quality of life. It sounds easy enough but…
North West Cardio Diagnostics is a well-established echo lab that is fortunate to have some of the best cardiologists in Alberta. Among these remarkable doctors is Dr. Debra Isaac. Recently the recipient of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Women in Cardiovascular Medicine/Science Mentorship Award, Dr. Isaac’s accomplishments and accolades are almost…
Movember: Growing Awareness for Men’s Health—Why It Matters for the Heart and Beyond Movember is an annual campaign that takes place every November to raise awareness about men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. The campaign encourages men to grow a moustache for…
Understanding the Fluttering Sensation, Causes, and When to Seek Medical Attention Have you ever experienced a sudden sensation of your heart racing, fluttering, or pounding in your chest? These are known as heart palpitations, and while they can be disconcerting, they are not always a cause for alarm. Here we…
Potential Cardiovascular Risks in Patients After Initial COVID-19 Infection Persistent symptoms from coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) are present in nearly 90 percent of patients 60 days post diagnosis. Proper testing, diagnosis, and management may prevent worsening illness. COVID-19 has the potential for both direct and indirect long-term effects on the…
Respiratory Illnesses – Differentials leading to Diagnosis The flu and COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus that’s led to the current pandemic, are both infectious respiratory illnesses. Although the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can look similar, the two illnesses are caused by different viruses. Let’s throw in the…
Debra Isaac and Paul W.M. Fedak: It is eerily quiet in our hospital cardiac units. It shouldn’t be By Debra Isaac and Paul W.M. Fedak As health-care professionals, we are focused on preparing for and implementing effective management strategies for the onslaught of COVID-19 patients within our health…
Flu resulting in Cardiomyopathy/ CAD exacerbation Influenza has considerable burden on public health funds. The complications of influenza can be devastating. Most people exposed to the multiple viruses that can cause a cardiomyopathy experience only mild flu-like symptoms before the immune system quashes the intruder. It is not even uncommon…
Booking an Echo – A Physician’s Quick Reference Guide Appropriate Use Criteria – Summarized Abbreviations: A = Appropriate M = May Be Appropriate R = Rarely Appropriate If you are a physician booking an echocardiogram for the following ASE and Choosing Wisely Canada guidelines apply PALPITATIONS AND ARRYTHMIAS 1 –…