In this episode, we speak to Dr. Ratika Parkash, a cardiologist based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Dr. Parkash is a Professor and Director of Research in the Division of Cardiology in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University, and the Associate Scientific Director at the Cardiovascular Network of Canada (CANet). Her research is focused on cardiovascular disease prevention, cardiac implantable electrical devices, and atrial fibrillation. Dr. Parkash discusses her work in the field of remote monitoring of cardiac implantable electrical devices (CIED), such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), stressing the importance of improving patient understanding of their devices, the information their devices are sharing with clinicians, and creating a continuum of care that integrates patient engagement and knowledge translation over time. Dr. Parkash is deeply rooted in the development of the Virtues application with CANet - Virtual Integrated Reliable Transformative User-driven E-health System, which allows for remote monitoring of patients' devices, providing real-time information to both patients and healthcare providers. By bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers, Virtues CIED has the potential to revolutionize patient care, empower patients, and improve outcomes for individuals with cardiac implantable devices. Looking ahead, Dr. Parkash anticipates the expansion of the Virtues platform to include cardiac care modules related to atrial fibrillation and cardiac rehabilitation.  For more information on the VIRTUES CIED project, visit:https://canetinc.ca/digital-health-previous/virtues-cied/ and https://canetinc.ca/news/help-is-closer-than-you-think-canet-funded-project-brings-cutting-edge-healthcare-nearer-to-patients/ If you're interested in being considered to participate in a research study accessing the Virtues CIED platform, browse contact centres that are enrolling patients today on the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society webpage. To learn about clinical studies taking place at the national and international level, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov       

In this episode, host Ann-Marie is joined by Sue Armstrong, a patient with lived experience, who discusses her emotional journey with heart failure and how it has shaped her approach to life. Sue recounts the impact of heart disease in her family spanning generations, her personal heart health journey, and the importance of embracing joy in everyday moments.   Throughout this episode, Sue acknowledges that recovery is a unique and incredibly emotional journey. Her resilience and positive outlook serve as an inspiration to those with similar experiences, demonstrating that with determination, self-advocacy, and support from family, friends and one's medical team, a fulfilling life is possible even after a heart failure diagnosis. By fine-tuning her lifestyle in a way that harmonizes her passions and heart health, Sue’s story is a powerful reminder to listeners that heart failure diagnosis can coexist with activities that inspire and bring joy to your life. Sue works with the Women@Heart program at The Ottawa Hospital, for more information about the program click here.  

Dr. Venkatesh Thiruganasambandamoorthy (Dr. Venk), CANet Investigator, senior scientist with the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and Professor in the Departments of Emergency Medicine and School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa, is internationally recognized in syncope research. He heads the Canadian Emergency Department Syncope Research Group, a research program whose vision is to reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with cardiovascular emergencies such as syncope and presyncope using robust risk stratification. In this episode, Dr. Venk discusses the development of the Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS) to guide the management of patients with syncope in emergency departments. The CSRS simplifies the approach for evaluating patients and determining the risk of adverse outcomes. The score also guides physicians in deciding whether further investigation, ongoing monitoring and or hospitalization is necessary for patients, or if they can be safely discharged home.  Dr. Venk highlights the importance of health resource utilization and incorporating a patient-centered approach within research, so patients can access the best and safest care possible. For more on this topic, visit the Venk Group webpage: https://www.teamvenk.com/

In this episode of Ticker Talk, host Ann-Marie speaks with Cyrena Ferreira, a caregiver, mother, and advocate of cardiac health and research. Cyrena shares her journey of discovering her son Alessio’s heart condition shortly after his birth, and the challenges they have faced as a family following diagnosis. Bringing listeners through her experience as a caregiver, Cyrena discusses the complexities of navigating the world of congenital heart disease and the significant shift in her perspective since becoming a parent to a child with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Touching on her personal evolution, Cyrena speaks to the profound transformation her outlook on life has undergone, and how she now possesses a greater sense of gratitude and continues to live fully, taking time to celebrate small triumphs. For more on this topic, check out Cyrena on social media.  Website: www.thecomplexconnection.ca  Instagram: @thecomplexconnection SickKids Ambassador Program: https://www.sickkidsfoundation.com

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Jennifer Reed who is the Program Chair of Cardiac Rehabilitation, a Scientist in the Division of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation, Director of the Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Laboratory, and serves as Program Chair at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. She is also Associate Professor at the School of Epidemiology and Public Health Faculty of Medicine and Adjunct Professor at the School of Human Kinetics in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa.   Through the Heart & Stroke Foundation’s Emerging Research Leaders Initiative (ERLI), CANet provided pilot funding for Dr. Reed’s initial exercise training for patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib or AF) study. Dr. Reed’s research focuses on the role of exercise in cardiovascular disease prevention, management, and rehabilitation. When asked what inspired her research, Dr. Reed highlights her desire to bridge the gap in research and care for patients with AF, as it pertains to exercise-based cardiovascular rehabilitation and physical activity programming. Dr. Reed and her team are actively recruiting patients in current projects. Click here and visit the ‘projects’ section on the lab’s website to get involved. For more on this topic and Dr. Reed, visit the University of Ottawa Heart Institute research profile page.

Susan McLaren shares her lived experience as a caregiver for her husband and children living with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), an inherited cardiac condition affecting the heart muscle. She discusses the gaps in support and counselling for families dealing with genetic cardiac disease, the impact on her husband and children’s lives after their diagnosis, and the importance of finding ways to cope and take care of oneself as a caregiver.  When asked what advice she would give to someone who has recently learned of a relative’s diagnosis, who may also be transitioning into a caregiver role, Susan expresses how “It's not the end of the road. It's not the end of the world. Knowledge is a great tool, and finding out as much information as you can about the disease does help you process the information better ... As a caregiver, you have to look after yourself. Taking time just to remove yourself from the situation is important.” In this episode, Susan provides listeners with a unique caregiver perspective woven with prominent themes of hope and resilience, despite the uncertainty that often underscores an HCM diagnosis.  For more information on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, click here.

In this episode, Al Hurren discusses his familial and personal experience of having a bicuspid aortic valve and being treated for an ascending aortic aneurysm. As a self-proclaimed optimist by nature, Al shares his experience of discovering his condition in his thirties, managing it through lifestyle choices, and undergoing surgery with a positive outlook.  When asked what he would say to someone who may have recently been diagnosed, or who may be overwhelmed by their condition, Al encourages listeners to think about this experience as being the start of a new chapter and to look beyond their surgery or diagnosis and approach it with a positive perspective. He highlights the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, connecting with others who have similar lived experiences, and taking the time to learn about your condition so you can be informed of the risks it may pose and how you may be able to mitigate such risks. For more on cardiovascular risk factors, visit http://canetinc.ca/cardiovascular-health/. To connect with others who have similar lived experiences, join the CANet Community of Patients & Caregivers at www.facebook.com/canetinc.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Robert Hamilton, children's cardiologist, heart rhythm specialist and senior associate scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children and Research Institute in Toronto, Canada. He is a CANet Network Investigator and senior electrophysiologist managing an inherited arrhythmia clinic and has gained a unique perspective on the clinical impact of hereditary heart rhythm conditions on children and families. Dr. Hamilton’s CANet-funded research focuses on expanding the understanding of inherited arrhythmia conditions that lead to sudden death and improving their diagnosis. He discusses the development and utility of highly accurate blood tests for conditions such as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), and how such testing can lead to better, simpler, and earlier diagnosis for patients. His research has expanded to include other inherited arrhythmias and conditions such as Lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, Chagas disease, and Lyme disease. 

Barbara Martin shares her journey as a patient navigating multiple health challenges, ranging from a heart condition to living with a brain injury. Barbara underscores the utility of understanding the grief cycle when dealing with any health-related event or diagnosis, reminding listeners that grief is a natural response to a loss and that it is non-linear - while you may accept it one day, another day may bring anger or denial.  She highlights the incredible support offered by peer-to-peer networks that create a space to share experiences, connection, and access to helpful resources when living with or supporting someone with a health condition. To connect with others who have similar lived experiences, join the CANet Community of Patients & Caregivers at www.facebook.com/canetinc.  Click here to learn more about the University of Ottawa Heart Institutes’ Women@Heart Peer Support Group Program, a peer support program led by women with heart disease, for women with heart disease.  For more information on cardiovascular risk factors, visit: canetinc.ca/cardiovascular-health/

Dr. Samantha Anthony is a Health Clinician Scientist in the Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program of the Research Institute at SickKids in Toronto, Ontario. She is a Social Worker within the Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Centre at SickKids and an Associate Professor in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. Dr. Anthony is the first and only Health Clinician Scientist in Social Work in Canada and among a community of approximately 15 Health Clinician Scientists at SickKids across various disciplines. In this episode, Dr. Anthony discusses the unique blend of clinical and research work in her role as a Health Clinician Scientist. She highlights the importance of engaging patients meaningfully and aligning research goals with patient-identified priorities. These elements are key pillars of the iPeer2Peer Program, an online peer mentorship program that provides support from trained young adult mentors who have learned to successfully manage their illness to adolescent mentees learning to live with chronic disease. Dr. Anthony shares how the program came about, the mentor training process, and the positive impact of meeting others with similar lived experiences. Click here to learn more about the Anthony Lab at SickKids.   For more information on funding supporters and partners, visit:   Canadian Heart Function Alliance - https://www.chfalliance.ca/   Enduring Hearts - https://enduringhearts.org   The Canadian Donation and Translation Research Program - https://cdtrp.ca/en/