In this video we discuss a common device that you may need to have when the heart beat is slowing down. The pacemaker is a battery and chip device that is typically positioned in the upper part of the chest wall and is able to stimulate the heart's contraction. Professor Barlis reviews what this device is and some key information that will help provide you with greater insights into how they work.

In this video, Professor Barlis provides some insights into these agents and how and when they may have an important role to play in tackling the burden of cardiovascular disease. It must be remembered that statins are only one part of several other interventions that are necessarily to help lower cardiac risk and therefore improve outcomes. There are also known side effects that need to be considered.

Heart attacks happen when one or more of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to your heart, become blocked. This means blood and oxygen can’t reach the heart and causes damage to the heart muscle. This is most commonly caused by coronary artery disease, the build up of cholesterol plaque and blood clots within the artery. Symptoms of a heart attack can vary from person to person.

In this video, we discuss all things heart stents. What are these stents that are used to treat blockages of the heart arteries and how technology is working to improve outcomes for patients long-term. Stents are typically metallic devices that act as springs or scaffolds to prop open a diseased artery thereby restoring blood flow. Learn all about how they work and how best to look after them once inserted. Subscribe to the channel to be updated on new content as it comes out!

In this video Prof Barlis reviews a frequently performed test used to take xray images of the arteries around the heart. These arteries, known as the coronary arteries, deliver blood, oxygen and nurients to the heart muscle itself so it can keep pumping and supplying the entire body with the nutrients it needs. The angiogram allows visualisation of the inside of the arteries and can detect narrowings or blockages that may develop due to cholesterol plaque build up. Remember, in any emergency, please contact your local emergency services number and all information discussed is purely general in nature and for educational putposes only.

Heart stents are devices used to open up blockages of the arteries supplying the heart muscle. Modern day stents are extremely safe but there are several important issues that can arise with stents that may lead to complications. When stents fail, this often happens when excess scar tissue builds up inside the stent causing the artery to become narrowed again (called stent restenosis) or if the stent fills with blood clot, this can cause an acute heart attack (called stent thrombosis). Here Professor Barlis provides an overview of some of the reasons that may lead to stent restenosis or thrombosis.

Coronary stents are small devices used to open up blockages that occur within the arteries of the heart. Rarely, stents can develop complications and in this first episode of a new Heart Stent Series, Professor Barlis looks at how and why stents can re-narrow. This process can also see new deposits of cholesterol plaque build up inside the stent leading to renarrowing and a repeat blockage. Here our discussion is general in nature and always seek the advice of your local health care professional for information relevant to your heart health.

In this video Cardiologist Professor Peter Barlis reviews recent videos posted by Kali Muscle outlining his experience following a major heart attack. Kali describes quite clearly what some of his symptoms were and how his condition was managed. It is pleasing to see that Kali has made a strong recovery following this health scare.

Clopidogrel is a medication used to prevent clots from building up. In coronary artery disease it can be used following a heart attack or when a stent is placed to treat a blockage. Other applications may be following a stroke. Join Professor Barlis as he provides an overview of this medication and its uses.

Prof Barlis discusses the role of a Cardiologist and how they may assist in assessing your heart health

Here we talk about a commonly performed test to assess future cardiovascular risk called a CT Calcium Scan. This provides a validated 'score' that reflects the amount of calcium that is detected within the wall of the heart arteries. Calcium is a mineral that is stored in our bones and teeth. Over time, this can also form within fatty plaque deposits in the walls of the arteries of the heart.

Cholesterol is one of the most hotly talked about topics when we look at heart health. Join Prof Barlis as he provides you a first hand overview of what all the fuss is about. You will see actual imaging of within the arteries of the heart using a technique that he has pioneered across the world. Using a laser scan inside the artery of the heart provides unique information about how cholesterol plaque actually develops inside the wall of the artery and how and when this may cause complications like heart attack or blood clot. Feel free to visit our other information videos and subscribe to the channel to be updated on new content!

In this video we review a not infrequently identified change on the electrocardiogram. This test looks at the electrical patterns of the heart from electrodes placed on the skin around the body. Sometimes, you may be told that this test has shown a 'bundle branch block'. Often, people confuse this with a 'blockage' in the arteries around the heart. This is not the case and here Professor Barlis reviews what the bundle electrical pathways in our heart are and the two major types of changes seen causing a right and left bundle branch block.

In this video, we talk about a commonly performed blood test that is used to measure a protein called Troponin. This is an integral part of how our heart muscle works and is released from the heart at times of stress or damage to the heart tissue. The released protein can be detected by a simple blood test and is a useful way of helping to differentiate the causes of particular cardiac symptoms e.g. chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations. Always remember that Heart Matters is all about general information only, for any specific health advice please consult your local health care professional.