Ticker Talk

In this episode of Ticker Talk, we share the remarkable and deeply personal story of Ruzica Subotic-Howell, a retired registered nurse and former military medic with over 40 years of experience in healthcare. Despite her extensive clinical background and expertise, Ruzica spent years searching for answers as she battled a life-threatening cardiac condition. Her experience offers a powerful example of the persistent gender gap in cardiac care, where women’s concerns are too often overlooked or misattributed.This conversation explores the profound shift from healthcare provider to patient. When her concerns weren’t taken seriously, Ruzica relied on her medical training to meticulously document her symptoms and advocate for herself.Now six months post-surgery, Ruzica reflects on the transformation that followed. Once defined by constant motion, she now lives with greater presence, balance, and mindfulness. Her story stands as a deeply human call for every listener to trust their instincts, track and document their symptoms, and never hesitate to advocate fiercely for their own care.

In this episode, Ann-Marie welcomes Vince Londini - a heart patient, advocate, and dedicated patient partner - to discuss his lived experience with cardiovascular disease. Vince’s story is one of perseverance and perspective. He talks candidly about the fear and uncertainty of heart disease, the importance of peer support, and the power of continuing to live your life fully, even when things feel out of control. Alongside medical treatment, Vince found immense support in his community through volunteering and by staying engaged with his work and family life.His message is grounded and encouraging: you can have a heart condition and still build a life full of meaning, impact, and connection. This conversation is a reminder that a heart condition is only one part of a person’s story—and that it’s possible to face it with honesty, resilience, and hope.For more information about VIRTUES and to self-refer to the VIRTUES Cardiac Care research study visit: https://referral.myvirtues.ca/virtues-heart-patient-self-referralLearn more about Vince's journey leading up to his heart event hereTo connect with others who have similar lived experiences, join the CANet Community of Patients & Caregivers at www.facebook.com/canetinc

In this episode of Ticker Talk, host Ann-Marie Julien speaks with Dr. Rob Hegele, distinguished Professor of Medicine and Biochemistry at Western University and Director of the London Regional Genomics Centre at Robarts Research Institute. Dr. Hegele also cares for over 2400 patients in his Lipid Clinic at University Hospital in London, Ontario. His research investigates the human genome to identify DNA markers that may suggest a hereditary predisposition to certain diseases. In doing so, this allows for preventative and personalized treatment strategies aimed at improving patients’ overall health outcomes.  This episode speaks to the role of lipids, particularly cholesterol and triglycerides, and their impact on cardiovascular health. Dr. Hegele explains the mechanisms behind LDL and HDL cholesterol, touches upon the lesser-known lipoprotein a (Lp(a)) and apolipoprotein b (ApoB) and emphasizes the importance of both primary and secondary prevention of heart disease. He brings listeners on a deep dive into the world of cholesterol management using concrete examples with a dash of light-hearted wit.Dr. Hegele’s insights into cholesterol and lipid management offer hope for individuals dealing with cardiovascular concerns. As research continues to evolve, the prevention and management of heart disease is becoming increasingly personalized and effective, ensuring a healthier future for patients worldwide.CANet’s educational materials offer a wealth of credible and well-presented information accessible on VIRTUES! To sign up for VIRTUES, click here.  

In this episode of Ticker Talk, host Ann-Marie is joined by Najah Adreak to discuss a crucial topic that touches the lives of countless women globally, yet often goes unnoticed until it’s too late: women’s heart health. Najah is a clinical researcher and Medical Doctor, with a focus and passion for women’s heart health, incorporating a racial and ethnic lens into women’s cardiac health, and less invasive cardiac surgery. Throughout this conversation, Dr. Adreak emphasizes the significant disparities in heart disease awareness and treatment between men and women. Despite women's heart health being a critical issue, it remains largely underrecognized, understudied, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. To address this knowledge gap, Najah underscores the importance of education and self-advocacy for women and urges collective action to address this public health crisis. She sheds light on initiatives led by the Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance (CWHHA), such as the annual Wear Red Canada campaign, which aims to start discussions on improving women’s cardiovascular health across the lifespan. The conversation around women's heart health is just beginning, but with dedicated professionals like Dr. Adreak and the CWHHA  leading the charge, change is on the horizon. Najah’s message is clear: be your own advocate and support the women around you. Empower yourself and your community by starting the conversation, and together, we can make a difference in women's heart health.

Dr. Alexandra King is a member of the Nipissing First Nation (Ontario). She is an Internal Medicine specialist, the inaugural Cameco chair in Indigenous Health and Wellness at the University of Saskatchewan, and co-lead of Pewaseskawn (the Indigenous Wellness Research Group). Dr. Alexandra King’s work supports Indigenous communities in improving health and wellness outcomes by understanding the needs of the communities she works with and the structural changes necessary to improve health outcomes.Dr. Malcolm King, a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (Ontario), is a health researcher at the University of Saskatchewan and Scientific Director of the Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research. Dr. King’s areas of interest include respiratory health concerns among Indigenous peoples, the intersection of education and health, health service delivery to vulnerable populations, and airborne disease transmission and chronic obstructive lung disease. Together, they explore the innovative approaches to Indigenous health and wellness through the creation of the Mitewekwan project ᒥᑌᐍᑲᐣ (Cree meaning “the spirit behind the heartbeat”), which integrates Indigenous perspectives into cardiovascular and brain health research networks on the contextualization and adaption needed for culturally safe and responsive research and care.This conversation emphasizes the importance of Indigenous perspectives in research, community engagement, and the social and cultural determinants of health. They examine their roles in reshaping health research to prioritize Indigenous voices and experiences, aiming to improve health outcomes for Indigenous peoples while also benefiting broader communities.To learn more about Pewaseskwan, visit their website here.For more information on the Mitewekwan, click here.

Dr. Anthony Tang is a Professor of Medicine at Western University and Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Additionally, Dr. Tang is a Staff Cardiologist at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and Scientific Director and CEO at the Cardiovascular Network of Canada (CANet). His clinical and research expertise is largely related to diagnosing and management of patients with cardiovascular conditions, particularly in heart failure patients.  As we celebrate Heart Month, Dr. Tang shares valuable insights into heart health, in particular, heart disease—a condition affecting approximately 1.3 million Canadians. Throughout this conversation Dr. Tang emphasizes the importance of improving patient care and their health outcomes, understanding effective treatment strategies, and creating innovative health solutions to support patients in managing their heart health. Listeners are reminded that a proactive approach to managing risk factors through lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing cardiovascular conditions. By focusing on eating nutritious foods, smoking cessation, good sleep, regular exercise, and reducing alcohol intake, you can take control of your heart health and improve your overall well-being. These insights underscore the importance of such changes, especially during Heart Month, as a time to continue raising awareness and encouraging healthier choices. Click here for more information on Wear Red Canada.  For more on CANet’s Digital Health solutions for the management of complex cardiovascular conditions click here.  Visit here for more information on Heart Month in Canada.

In this episode, host Ann-Marie is joined by Dr. Krystina Lewis to discuss the pivotal role of decision aids in fostering patient engagement in healthcare. Krystina is an Associate Professor with the School of Nursing at the University of Ottawa and an Affiliate Researcher with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the Center for Implementation Research at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. Her research focuses on effective interventions to promote patient and public engagement in health care. Patient decision aids are tools—booklets, videos, web portals—designed to help patients understand their options, clarify their values, and make informed health decisions that align with their preferences and needs. This conversation highlights the development, evaluation, and implementation of decision aids, their positive outcomes, and the challenges of integrating them into clinical practice.  One significant project discussed is the update of the Cochrane review on patient decision aids. While this systematic review highlights the positive outcomes of decision aids—like better-informed patients and clearer personal values—other outcomes such as patient adherence and cost-effectiveness mark an exciting avenue for future research. Click here to access the A to Z Inventory of Patient Decision Aids. Ottawa Personal Decision Guide - Ottawa Hospital and Research Institute & University of Ottawa, translated into over 10 languages and adapted for Indigenous peoples) 

In this episode, we hear from Trina O'Brien Leggott, a heart patient with inherited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Trina's familial journey with HCM began when her youngest brother experienced unusual symptoms, leading to his diagnosis of HCM. This discovery led to family screenings that traced the condition back to their father, 40 years previous. Trina's personal experience with HCM escalated in January 2012, after suffering a cardiac arrest while watching a movie with her husband. Thanks to a timely emergency response and a successful implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) procedure, Trina recovered and returned to her regular routine within weeks. Despite experiencing mixed emotions related to her ICD, both discomfort at relying on a device and gratitude for the role it plays in keeping her heart functioning, her perspective on life has forever shifted. Trina reflects on her journey with gratitude, recognizing her heart condition and ICD as something that will always be a part of her life - "It's about learning to live with a tool that helps you carry on." Trina emphasizes the importance of life-long learning, being an informed patient, and the level of engagement that blossoms from developing a deeper understanding of one's own treatment and care. Her engagement with healthcare has continued to grow with her work as a Patient Partner on the VIRTUES CIED project, contributing to research aimed at improving remote monitoring by reviewing terminology and gauging how patients might respond to different ways of presenting information. Join Trina as she shares her story of resilience and her hopes for the future of cardiovascular care. Hear more about Dr. Ratika Parkash’s VIRTUES CIED project on her Ticker Talk episode here.

In this episode, host Ann-Marie delves into the complexities of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) with Dr. Robert Rose, a scientist and professor in the departments of Cardiac Sciences, Physiology and Pharmacology at the Cumming School of Medicine, Libin Cardiovascular Institute at the University of Calgary. Unpacking the intricacies of cardiovascular disease, the Robert Rose Laboratory conducts cutting-edge research, and among many areas of focus, seeks to unravel the elusive causes of AF, a widespread cardiac condition that remains not fully understood. This discussion illuminates the promising role of the natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B), a receptor in the heart, in regulating and sustaining normal heart rhythm. Impaired activity of the NPR-B is associated with a greater risk of developing AF. These findings could lead to the creation of new preventative treatments for AF in the form of NPR-B agonists. Dr. Rose shares his enthusiasm for the innovative advancements in cardiac research and his hopeful perspective on future therapeutic strategies to prevent and manage arrhythmias and design patient-specific or condition-specific treatment approaches. Click here to read the full study discussed in the episode. For more information on the NPR-B research coming out of the Robert Rose Laboratory, click here.

In this episode, we delve into the deeply personal and transformative journey of Marc Bains, who was catapulted onto a life-changing path following a heart failure diagnosis at the age of 23.  He unfolds his decade-long experience with heart failure, revealing how his initial fears evolved into a story of adaptation and resilience, marked by crucial treatment developments and a heart transplant that transformed his lived experience as a patient into a passionate advocate. During this episode, Marc discusses the creation of HeartLife Foundation, a national patient-led heart failure organization, and the inspiring term ‘Heart Life’ – a concept born from the desire to positively redefine living with heart failure and transform the lives of those with heart failure through education, empowerment, and engagement.  Ann-Marie and Marc explore his impactful journey of advocacy, the community’s role in providing support to folks with cardiovascular disease, and the collective effort to push for equitable care within healthcare policy. The creation of the Canadian Heart Failure Patient and Caregiver Charter and collaboration with Senator Yona Martin, who is tabling a private member bill for a national strategy for heart failure, are just two examples of the collective strides being taken to empower those who are navigating heart failure and promote access to equitable high-quality care.  Click here for more information on the HeartLife Patient and Caregiver Charter. Click here for more information on the Canadian Heart Function Alliance Bill S-284 – An Act to Establish a National Framework on Heart Failure

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 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. 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/ 

In this episode, Dan Pak shares his story of being diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib or AF) and undergoing complex ablation surgery. He discusses the initial shock following his diagnosis, the challenges of adjusting to a new lifestyle, and the importance of finding balance and listening to your body.  Dan is a marathoner, an advocate for heart health, and has adapted to changes prompted by his heart condition. While he cannot aim for the targets he once set for himself with respect to physical activity, he has found new ways to be challenged and enjoy participating at events. He encourages others to adapt to changes in their health and find joy in their journey. For more on this topic, check out Dan on social media. Blog: https://ottpak.blogspot.com Twitter: twitter.com/ottpak  Instagram: instagram.com/ottpak.

Starting September 5, 2023, join your host Ann-Marie Julien and hear from cardiac patients and caregivers sharing experiences of healing, community, and advocacy, and learn what innovations in cardiac research might mean for you and your loved ones from Canada's leading experts.