Takotsubo syndrome, also known as “broken heart syndrome,” is a stress-induced cardiomyopathy often triggered by an emotional shock. Through this authentic patient story, discover how a traumatic event caused a temporary heart dysfunction, sometimes mistaken for a heart attack. An eye-opening account to better understand this lesser-known condition.
End-of-life care for patients with heart failure aims to ensure comfort and dignity by tailoring treatments to the patient’s wishes and needs, whether at home, in a hospital, or in a specialized unit.
Knowing that a patient with heart failure is at risk of dying in the coming months helps prepare both the patient and their loved ones to express their life goals and plan the appropriate intensity of future care.
Palliative or supportive care complements heart failure treatment from the early stages, helping to improve the patient’s comfort and quality of life throughout their journey. It is provided alongside standard therapies and can be adjusted as the disease progresses, taking into account the person’s needs and priorities.
An individualized action plan is an essential tool for people with advanced heart failure, helping them respond quickly to any worsening of symptoms and avoid hospitalization. Understanding it well and applying it without delay helps better control the disease and maintain quality of life.
Dr. Wilfred Bigelow was one of Canada’s most influential pioneers in cardiac surgery. His bold intuition regarding the use of hypothermia paved the way for procedures that had previously been considered impossible.
So-called “active” care includes all treatments aimed at improving daily quality of life while also extending life expectancy. This essential phase in the management of heart failure relies on two complementary components: medications and non-pharmacological measures.
Heart failure is a progressive chronic disease that requires tailored care at every stage. Understanding the role of palliative and supportive care helps improve quality of life and anticipate needs in advanced stages.
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.
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.
This site is intended to provide information and make cardiology comprehensible for all patients; it is not a substitute for a doctor. It does, however, enable a better understanding of how the heart works, the many heart diseases that exist, the tests required to reach a diagnosis, and the drugs and other methods used to treat them.
Where the masculine is used herein, it shall be all-gender inclusive.
