At Home Wellness FAQ’s
AT HOME WELLNESS
With COVID-19 evolving daily, the Prevention and Wellness Team at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation have compiled a list of resources to help keep you informed and stay active and healthy during this difficult time.
Here are some of the questions we have received from patients and caregivers.
- Clinical Appointments and Scheduled Programming at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute
In keeping with our mission to always put patients first, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute has cancelled all in-person classes, support groups, and workshops, effective Monday, March 16, until further notice.
The health and safety of our patients, hospital staff, and community are our top priorities.
As of March 23, we have postponed non-urgent procedures, surgeries, outpatient programming and clinics during the coronavirus pandemic. If you are waiting for a test, procedure or surgery, visit the links below for more information.
- What Do I Do if I Have Cardiac Symptoms?
For those who have received notification that your procedure has been postponed and are currently on a waitlist, it is important to keep in touch with your family doctor and cardiologist or cardiac surgeon.
You should contact them directly if you are experiencing a change in your cardiac symptoms (for example more frequent angina/chest pain or unusual shortness of breath) or have any other concerns about your medical condition.
Reminder: Always call 9-1-1 if you think you might be having a heart attack or have cardiac symptoms that last more than 5 minutes.
- Should I Keep Taking My Medications?
Yes, it is recommended that you continue taking all your medications as prescribed. There is no clinical evidence at this time to suggest you should stop any of your cardiac medications for fear of complications due to COVID-19.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Canadian Heart Failure Society published a joint statement about Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) or Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARN inhibitors) in hypertensive or heart failure patients. It is recommended people continue to take their medications as prescribed. For more information about these specific medications, visit the Canadian Cardiovascular Society website.
If you have questions about any of your medications, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist
- Continuing to Manage your Chronic Condition
Aside from doing all you can to avoid the spread of COVID-19, it is important to continue to manage your health. Read more
Living Healthy Champlain offers regular online workshops and webinars to help. Visit the website regularly or sign up for their newsletter.
University Health Network’s Cardiac Rehab Program is offering live sessions every Monday – Thursday at 1:00 pm on topics to help you manage your heart health.