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Beyond the buzzword: The promise of precision medicine

With next-generation DNA sequencing and patient-tailored therapeutics entering the market and significantly transforming lives, the era of precision medicine is upon us. What exactly is this bold new approach, and why does it promise to revolutionize how we improve heart health and treat its

Emerging medical breakthroughs: Are we ready for tomorrow?

Exciting medical discoveries are being fed through our social media feeds and television screens with a seemingly limitless speed and diversity. From breakthroughs like genetic engineering and regenerative medicine to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and robotic surgery, we live in

Smartphone-based diagnostics more accurate than traditional examination techniques

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests smartphone technology is diagnostically more accurate than traditional physical examination techniques to assess blood flow in arteries found in the wrist. The study was conducted at the University of Ottawa Heart

The leadless pacemaker: Is wireless pacing the new era of cardiac care?

Many important innovations have been made over the last 50 years to improve the efficacy of transvenous pacemakers implanted in cardiac patients worldwide. Despite modern advancements, there remain certain risks associated with the implantation of such devices, and long-term complications are not

Nursing our nurses back to health: Tailored interventions needed now

Nurses make up the largest professional group within the healthcare workforce and their work is perceived as being physically and mentally demanding. According to a National Survey of the Work and Health of Nurses in Canada conducted in 2005, an alarming proportion of Canadian nurses then reported

Modern day healthcare first envisioned in 1962 classic "The Jetsons"

It’s 2062. The world is a futuristic utopia of push-button conveniences made possible by technology. Even visiting the doctor happens virtually via videophone. Such was the premise of the popular American animated sitcom, The Jetsons, which first hit airwaves in 1962. But, as Cardiac Telehealth

Esther's list: Top 10 tips for managing stress

According to Statistics Canada, 23% of Canadians aged 15 and older (an estimated 6.7 million people) reported most days were either ‘quite a bit’ or ‘extremely stressful’. Stress is the mind and body’s response to a perceived threat or stressor, triggering the instinct known as the fight-or-flight

Wireless device puts real-time data analysis at the fingertips of cardiac rehabilitation research

Cardiac patients at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) are getting healthier faster thanks to recently acquired state-of-the-art cardiopulmonary exercise monitoring equipment with ergospirometry (CPET). The Oxycon TM Mobile Device pairs portability with functionality, and packs a big

Top five stories of 2017 from The Beat

As 2017 draws to a close, we hope you will enjoy this look back at our Top 5 articles from this past year: 5. Intermittent fasting helps fight obesity Up to sixteen weeks of intermittent fasting without otherwise having to count calories helps fight obesity and other metabolic disorders 5th most

Engineering the next generation of nanomaterial for biomedical applications

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing science of producing and utilizing nano-sized particles invisible to the naked eye. In biomedicine, nanosilver is one of the most studied nanomaterials because of its natural antibacterial, antifungal, and even anti-inflammatory properties. Also, due to its unique