Category: Valvular & cardiovascular diseases

Coronary heart diseases

Life after a heart attack

A heart attack can occur suddenly and be a deeply upsetting experience. Following the diagnosis, hospitalization is required, along with the delivery of a wealth of information from the healthcare team. Then comes the need to adopt new lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of recurrence and improve long-term quality of life.

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Coronary heart diseases

Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery aims to reroute blood around blocked heart arteries caused by atherosclerotic plaques—fatty deposits that slow down or block blood flow.
Much like a road bridge that allows vehicles to cross a river or obstacle, this procedure creates new pathways so that oxygen-rich blood can continue to nourish the heart muscle, despite existing blockages.

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Coronary heart diseases

Myocardial infarction – STEMI

When a blood clot completely blocks a coronary artery due to the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque, the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen and begins to suffer intensely. This condition is commonly referred to as a “heart attack,” medically known as STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction).

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Coronary heart diseases

The Impact of a Snowstorm on the Heart

In the medical field, particularly in cardiology, an increase in emergency room visits is often observed following a snowstorm. Shoveling is frequently identified as the main trigger for these cardiac events. But is this merely a myth, or is it a well-documented medical reality?

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Coronary heart diseases

Coronary Restenosis Post-Angioplasty

A common and perfectly legitimate question after a coronary artery dilation procedure is: “How long will it last?”
In answering this question, the term “restenosis” is likely to come up, often raising additional questions.

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Heart failure

Heart Failure – Generalities

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.

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How it works

Sinus Bradycardia

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.

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Coronary heart diseases

Coronary Angioplasty (Dilation)

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.

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Coronary heart diseases

Unstable Angina- NSTEMI

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).

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Coronary heart diseases

Coronary heart disease (Angina)

Coronary artery disease is caused by the buildup of cholesterol plaques in one or more of the heart’s arteries. The classic symptom, known as angina, presents as chest pain at the center of the chest, often radiating to the left arm and jaw.
This pain is typically relieved quickly with rest and reoccurs with similar exertion. It is important to note that this presentation can vary in form.

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