What Is the Watchman?In my role as a respiratory therapist, I often conduct EKGs at the hospital. During a recent session with a kind gentleman in his 70s, the computer interpretation revealed an... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments11 comments
Types of Coronary Artery LesionsCoronary artery disease (CAD) is a very common heart condition. The coronary arteries are blood vessels in the heart that supply blood to the heart itself. In CAD, cholesterol builds... By Editorial Team 2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What Is Barostim?We recently had a question about Barostim from a community member. I will be honest – I had never heard that term before. So I decided to do some research... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
11 Tips to Prevent Respiratory InfectionsIf you are worried about getting sick from respiratory infections like cold, flu, or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), it is important to take precautions. People who have a weak immune... By Editorial Team 2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Impact of COVID-19 on the HeartThe world continues to grapple with the dwindling COVID-19 pandemic. And researchers continue to work hard to understand the long-term effects of the virus and vaccines – especially their impact... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Antibody Desensitization TreatmentSometimes, people with heart failure face the decision of being listed for a transplant. However, not everyone qualifies for a heart transplant. Having high antibody levels (also called highly sensitized)... By Latoya Johnson Keelen, PhD3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Flu, RSV, and COVID-19: Differences Between 3 Respiratory InfectionsThe flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 are all contagious respiratory infections that affect the nose, throat, and lungs. They affect both adults and kids, and they have many... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Understanding Vaccine RecommendationsEvery year, vaccines help save millions of lives. Vaccines work with our body’s natural defenses to create an immune response to a specific disease. They are our best protection against... By Editorial Team 5 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Respiratory Infections 101Respiratory infections affect the nose, sinuses, throat, and airways. These infections can cause symptoms such as congestion, cough, and shortness of breath. For people who live with certain chronic medical... By Editorial Team 4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): The BasicsRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, cough, congestion, and shortness of breath. RSV can affect people of all ages... By Editorial Team 4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What Are Heart Failure Function Clinics?Editor's note: This article describes clinics in the Canadian health system. Clinics that offer heart failure care in other parts of the world may differ. If you have heart failure... By Canadian Pharmacist2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What Is Right Heart Failure? Usually when we refer to heart failure, we are talking about left heart failure. However, there are some people in this community who also experience right heart failure. What is... By John Bottrell, RRT4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Lather Up! Sunscreen and HFWe all know the importance of wearing sunscreen, especially during the summer months. However, some people with certain medical conditions, such as heart failure (HF), may not realize that wearing... By Canadian Pharmacist2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Your Heart May Hold Its Own Cure for Heart FailureResearchers have learned the heart may have its own immune cells. This could hold the key to a future treatment for heart failure. Here is what we know about this... By John Bottrell, RRT2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Chronic Pain and Opioid PrescribingPeople with heart failure (HF) are at an increased risk of persistent pain, also known as chronic pain. In fact, up to 85 percent of people with HF experience pain... By Canadian Pharmacist2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The ABCs of Drug ShortagesDrug shortages seem to be occurring more often than in pre-pandemic times. These shortages can be very frustrating – particularly for patients – but also for pharmacists and physicians. Let's... By Canadian Pharmacist3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
What Causes Abdominal Swelling? Some people with heart failure develop abdominal swelling. This is when your stomach gives the appearance of fullness. You may feel bloated or full. So, what is it about heart... By John Bottrell, RRT2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Does Dietary Cholesterol Affect Blood Cholesterol Levels?Within the medical cardiac and natural health communities, there has been a long-standing debate whether consuming foods rich in fat can increase the risk of coronary artery disease. The greatest... By Canadian Pharmacist2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
How Does the Heart Compensate During Heart Failure?As heart failure patients, I think we all know that heart failure does not mean that our heart has stopped working. The last time I checked, as a patient, I... By Morgan Drutchas3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
A Guide to Common Drugs Prescribed After a Heart Attack (Part 2)Editor's note: this is part 2 of a series. Be sure to check out part 1! This article continues the discussion of commonly prescribed drugs after a heart attack. Antihypertensives... By Canadian Pharmacist2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments