Archive

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

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

Breast cancer and cardiovascular disease: More similar than you think

Breast cancer awareness campaigns have dominated the media over the last twenty years in an effort to educate women about the risks of breast cancer and raise awareness for the disease. The implication of this pink takeover suggests women are aware of the risks of breast cancer, but are they

Doctors on SAFARI get an unexpected surprise!

No lions, giraffes, or hippopotami were observed during a SAFARI led by doctors at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI). However, doctors did get an unexpected surprise: important new insight into how best to treat patients after a severe heart attack. Thanks to the SAFARI-STEMI trial, a

Buying time for patients with cardiogenic shock

Researchers at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute recently made an observation that has helped inform clinical practice in the treatment of patients with severe cardiogenic shock, a condition in which the heart suddenly can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs . In a recent study

Food for thought about Canada’s food guide

The Canada Food Guide received its first update in more than a decade earlier this year. Gone are the food groups and portion sizes. The new message for Canadians is clear: eat more plant-based proteins, and less meat and dairy. Kathleen Turner, a registered dietitian with the University of Ottawa