The pacemaker implantation procedure is relatively straightforward and generally well-tolerated. A small incision is made in the chest, usually on the left side, to create a pocket under the skin to house the pacemaker’s casing.
Takotsubo syndrome is a heart condition classified under the family of cardiomyopathies. Also known as broken heart syndrome, apical ballooning, or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, this disorder is characterized by a temporary weakening of the heart muscle, often triggered by intense emotional or physical stress.
The pacemaker, also known as a cardiac stimulator or “battery,” can be compared to a sophisticated miniature computer implanted under the skin. Its primary mission is to ensure a regular and efficient heartbeat.
It continuously captures the heart’s electrical signals and, much like a GPS, tracks the trajectory of impulses through the various components of the heart’s electrical system. By analyzing this data in real-time, it determines whether the natural system is functioning properly. In case of failure, it steps in by delivering the necessary impulse to maintain an optimal heart rhythm.
Heart failure is a chronic condition. Although advancements in treatment have improved outcomes, it remains a serious condition, particularly for those with a reduced ejection fraction.
Worldwide, millions of people are affected by this disease. In Canada, approximately 1% of the adult population lives with this condition, and its prevalence increases to 10% among individuals over the age of 65.
When the heart rate drops below 60 beats per minute, it is referred to as bradycardia. This slower rate can be a natural response or, in some cases, a sign of a rhythm disorder.
When the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute, this is referred to as tachycardia. A rapid rhythm may be a natural response or a sign of arrhythmia.
Dr. Elliot Cutler, an American surgeon born on July 30, 1888, was a prominent figure at Harvard University and a trailblazer in the field of cardiac surgery.
He concluded his military career with the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. Following World War I, he embarked on an ambitious mission to address mitral stenosis, a condition affecting the heart valve, through groundbreaking surgical techniques.
Although this disease has been known for centuries, its exact origin remains poorly understood. Hypertension is responsible for approximately 50% of cardiovascular incidents, contributing to nearly 10 million deaths each year, making it one of the leading risk factors for premature death (before age 65).
Coronary angioplasty is a procedure aimed at repairing narrowed or blocked coronary arteries caused by cholesterol plaques. This procedure is usually performed following a coronary angiography, which allows visualization of the narrowing presents in the coronary arteries.
The intervention involves inserting a small balloon into the blocked artery and then inflating it to widen the vessel. In most cases, a stent (endoprosthesis) is then placed to keep the artery open.
When a blood clot partially obstructs a coronary artery or one of its branches, the heart muscle supplied by this artery continues to receive oxygen, but in insufficient amounts. This precarious condition is known as unstable angina, now referred to in medical terms as Non-STEMI (Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction).
