Get Directions
Neuro Therapy Unit
Hospa has one of the largest Cardio care programs in a community academic hospital in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), and provides treatment for many types of CVD, including heart transplant, open heart surgery, engiogram prostate, gynecological and urinary.
Hospa General is constantly thinking and going beyond for our patients, our community and our people. As people and communities change, Hospa General will continuously evolve to meet their needs. We are driven to achieve the promise of people-centred care – to create a welcome and inclusive environment that contributes to health equity.
Enhancing the patient and family experience
We work to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of cancer care. All patients receive care guided by best practice standards of Cardio Care. These practices have been shown to provide the best patient outcomes. Patients and their families can quickly access a diverse range of cancer care services, including these facilities:
- The BMO Breast Diagnostic Clinic, part of the Karen, Heather & Lynn Steinberg Breast Centre
- The Baruch/Weisz Cardio Centre
- Freeman Centre for the Advancement of Palliative Care
- Gale and Graham Wright Prostate Centre
Patients supported by dedicated team of experts
Our interdisciplinary team of highly skilled and compassionate health-care professionals includes physicians, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, nurses, medical imaging professionals, case managers, and volunteers.
We partner with the two regional cancer centres: the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Princess Margaret Hospital at the University Health Network, to facilitate radiation treatments for our patients. A partnership between North York General and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre offers patients easy and timely access to quality colorectal cancer care.
Information for new patient
This following series of videos are designed for patients who are receiving treatment at the Anne Tanenbaum Chemotherapy Clinic. The first video “A Day in Chemo Clinic”, is helpful to watch prior to starting treatment and want to know what to expect before your appointment.
Most patients will receive conventional chemotherapy and may find the videos that explain what chemotherapy is and how it is given, helpful. For a general introduction, start with “Chemo 101”. This video covers important day-to-day considerations such as “Can I take supplements while on chemo?”, “Can I drink alcohol while on chemo?” and “Do I have to avoid crowds while on chemo?” Additional videos include common side effects of chemotherapy, important prevention and management tips.
Available Doctors Under Food & Nutrition
Shazafar Ahmad
IT & Innovation AdvisorSharon Noelker, RRT
Cosmetic Dermatologist
Melanie Dalton, MD
Pulmonary & Critical Care, Henry Ford Hospital, USA
Imad Awan
Lead - Art & AnimationAsk Any Question If You Have
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Understanding Heart Attacks: The Silent Killer
Every 3 seconds, someone in the world suffers a heart attack. It’s a terrifying thought. The symptoms can range from severe chest pain to vague discomfort, and in many cases, the signs go unnoticed until it’s too late. A heart attack occurs when one of the blood vessels supplying the heart gets blocked, leading to the death of heart muscle. Time is critical! Fast intervention can save the heart and even the life.
Let’s explore the causes, symptoms, and what to do if someone is experiencing a heart attack.
KEY POINTS
1. Heart attacks can present with various symptoms, including chest pain, sweating, and a sense of doom, and require immediate medical attention.
2. Heart attacks can be subtle in some cases, especially in women and people with diabetes, and may not always present with typical chest pain symptoms.
3. Risk factors for heart attacks include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle.
4. Quick action is crucial in treating a heart attack; call emergency services immediately and chew an aspirin to slow clot formation.
5. In the hospital, tests like ECG, chest X-ray, and blood tests are done to diagnose a heart attack, followed by treatments like angiograms and stent placement.
6. Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, and quitting smoking, can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks.
7. Routine testing for diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure is recommended, especially for those over 40 or with a family history of heart disease.
8. Effective management of risk factors like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol is essential in preventing heart attacks.
9. Spreading awareness about heart attack symptoms and risk factors can help save lives by promoting timely medical intervention.
What is a Heart Attack and What Causes It?
Our heart is a powerful pump that keeps blood circulating throughout the body. This blood carries oxygen and energy that all organs need to function properly. The coronary arteries supply the heart with oxygenated blood. However, if one of these arteries gets blocked due to atherosclerosis (a buildup of cholesterol and fat), the heart muscle starts to die. This blockage can cause a heart attack.
Several factors contribute to the development of atherosclerosis:
– Smoking
– Obesity
– Diabetes
– High blood pressure
– High cholesterol
– Family history of heart disease
While some individuals might experience no symptoms, others may feel chest pain or angina (chest pressure) during physical activity. A sudden clot can completely block a coronary artery, leading to a heart attack. Time is critical when this happens.
What Are the Symptoms of a Heart Attack?
Heart attacks can show up in many different ways. Common symptoms include:
– Severe chest pain or pressure
– Pain in the left arm, neck, back, or upper abdomen
– Shortness of breath
– Sweating
– Dizziness
However, sometimes the symptoms can be subtle and hard to recognize, especially in women and people with diabetes. Instead of chest pain, a person may experience fatigue, nausea, or lightheadedness.
If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Quick intervention can save their life.
How Is a Heart Attack Treated?
Treatment for heart attacks is time-sensitive. The primary goal is to restore blood flow to the blocked heart vessel. Here’s how it typically works:
1. At the hospital, the person will undergo diagnostic tests like an ECG (electrocardiogram) and blood tests to confirm the heart attack.
2. Medications: Aspirin is often given to prevent further clotting, and nitroglycerin is used to relax the blood vessels and improve circulation.
3. If the blockage is severe, doctors may perform an angiogram to locate the clot. A stent is then used to open the artery and restore blood flow.
Important: These treatments are most effective if administered quickly, ideally within the first few hours of the attack.
What Are the Risk Factors for Heart Attacks?
Several lifestyle and health conditions increase the likelihood of having a heart attack. These include:
– Obesity
– Diabetes
– High blood pressure (Hypertension)
– Smoking
– Excessive alcohol use
– High cholesterol levels
Managing these risk factors is crucial for preventing heart attacks. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels can help reduce your risk significantly.
How Can We Prevent Heart Attacks?
The best way to prevent a heart attack is to manage risk factors early. Here are some important steps to reduce your risk:
– Maintain a healthy weight
– Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive sugar and unhealthy fats.
– Exercise regularly: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-5 times a week.
– Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the top preventable causes of heart disease.
– Limit alcohol consumption
– Take prescribed medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, as directed by your healthcare provider.
Additionally, routine screenings for heart disease risk factors are essential for people over 40 or those with a family history of heart disease.
How Can Aspirin Help Prevent Heart Attacks?
If you have high risk factors for heart disease, your doctor might recommend low-dose aspirin as a preventive measure. It helps thin the blood and reduces the risk of clots forming in the arteries. However, it’s essential to discuss the pros and cons with your healthcare provider before starting any medications.
QUESTIONS TO ASK Your Doctor
– What are the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack?
– What risk factors increase my chances of having a heart attack, and how can I manage them?
– What lifestyle changes can I make to reduce my risk?
– What tests or screenings should I undergo to assess my heart health?
– What medications can help prevent heart attacks, and what are their side effects?
– How should I respond if I suspect I’m having a heart attack?
– Can I take aspirin regularly for heart attack prevention?
– What steps should I take to manage conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes?
Fantastic Fact!
Did you know that the heart is about the size of your fist? Despite its small size, it works tirelessly throughout the day, beating 60-100 times per minute. Over the course of a day, it beats more than 100,000 times.
Fun Fact: In the animal kingdom, the blue whale has the largest heart, beating only 4-8 times per minute. Now, that’s impressive!
Guest Experts
Dr. Tarek Alsaied, MD, MSc
Pediatric Cardiologist University of Pittsburgh, USA
Dr. Saad Ahmad, MD
Dental surgeon
Dr. Muhammad Ahsan Zafar, MD, MSc
Pulmonary & Critical Care University of Cincinnati, USA