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Services &
Resources

Welcome to the Services & Resources section of North Star Cardiology, a dedicated area designed for our patients and those considering our care. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cardiac services and resources available to support your health journey. This section offers a detailed look into the specialized care and advanced treatments we provide, ensuring that you are well-informed and comfortable with the options available. It’s our commitment to ensure that each individual receives tailored, high-quality cardiac care.

Our Services

Cardiology Consultation

Fetal Cardiology — We see patients during pregnancy to assess the babies heart  and cardiac risk prior to birth. There is a broad range of reasons to see a fetal cardiologist during pregnancy including exposure to some infections and medications, some medical conditions, and family history of heart problems in the family. Ask your doctor if this is right for you.

Pediatric Cardiology — Kids of all ages (newborns to 18 years old) can have heart problems. Reasons to see a cardiologist include murmurs, chest pain, palpitations, fainting, shortness of breath, and having family history of certain heart conditions. Seeing a cardiologist can be an important first step toward better health. 

Holter Monitor

Similar to an ECG, a Holter monitor is a 24 hour continuous tracing of the heart rhythm that can help diagnose various heart problems (arrhythmias);  stickers are placed on the chest and abdomen that allow the machine to record the heart’s electricity. 

We can also use a Kardia device to obtain shorter tracings of the heart rhythm during palpitations; this device connects to a smartphone and is held in both hands and can capture short recordings of the heart rhythm (up to several minutes).

These devices are provided at no charge to patients and families to take home and return for reading of the results.

Electrocardiogram

An ECG is a tracing of the heart’s electricity. It is captured over 10 seconds using 6 stickers (electrodes) on the chest and 1 on each arm and leg. This test can provide information about heart rhythm and heart structures.

Fetal Echocardiogram

A fetal echo is an ultrasound done of the heart of a baby during pregnancy. These can be done as early as 10-11 weeks in some circumstances. Fetal echos can diagnose many heart conditions including differences in the way the heart formed, problems with the heart muscle, rhythm abnormalities, and more. Early diagnosis allows for treatment and planning.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound to look at the structures and function of the heart and main blood vessels. The test uses gel on the skin and sound waves to take pictures of the heart without causing harm. Pictures are often taken through the stomach (abdomen), chest, and lower part of the neck. We can measure the size of different structures, the blood flow, and the “squeeze” of the heart.

Reasons to get a Fetal Echo

Here you’ll find a  list of reasons a pregnant person might need to be referred for a fetal echocardiogram. If you think any of these may apply to you, you’re encouraged to contact your primary healthcare provider who can asses if a referral is needed. You can also use our “Request a Referral” tool to send your healthcare provider an email requesting to be referred to our clinic.

If you have any questions about this list,  please feel free to contact North Star Cardiology for guidance. We are available by
phone at (587) 855-1500 or by email at info@northstarcardiology.ca.

Maternal Reasons to get a Fetal Echo

  • I became pregnant with the help of IVF
  • I had diabetes before I was pregnant
  • I was diagnosed with diabetes before 26 weeks gestation
  • I have phenylketonuria
  • I have lupus, Sjogren syndrome, or SSA/SSB antibodies
  • I had pericarditis or myocarditis during this pregnancy
  • During my pregnancy, I had exposure to…
    • …a rubella infection during/before 14 weeks gestation
    • …NSAID medication, such as Ibuprofen/Advil, in the 3rd trimester
    • …paroxetine, lithium, retinoic acid, anti-seizure medication, or certain blood pressure medications

Familial Reasons to get a Fetal Echo

  • I, the father, or a sibling of the baby have a congenital heart defect (including hole in the heart, abnormal valve, or other)
  • I, the father, or a sibling of the baby have a cardiomyopathy
  • There is a genetic condition associated with a risk of heart conditions in the family including in any first or second degree relative such as myself, the father, a sibling of the baby, a grandparent, or aunt/uncle of the baby)

Fetal Reasons to get a Fetal Echo

  • My baby is suspected to have a problem with their heart
  • My baby is suspected to have a problem not involving there heart
  • My baby has hydrops (body swelling or fluid)
  • My baby has been diagnosed with a genetic condition
  • My baby is high risk for a genetic condition based on the First Trimester Screen (FTS) or other screening test (e.g. Invitae, NIPS, NIPT, etc.)
  • My baby has a single umbilical artery
  • My baby has an abnormal heart rhythm (including fast, slow, or irregular)
  • My baby has thickening of the skin fold behind their neck (nuchal thickening)
  • I am having more than one baby (e.g. twins, triplets, etc.)