How hard should you exercise? New research to determine what’s safe and what’s not

Feb 21, 2024

It’s the first of its kind for B.C., and it’s going to help fill a cardiovascular research gap in Canada: a new cardiopulmonary exercise test laboratory has opened at UBC Hospital. “The CPET machine is a core diagnostic tool that can simultaneously look at both the pulmonary and cardiac variables from a health and fitness [...]

When Should I Start to Worry About My Cholesterol?

Nov 09, 2021

By Jannie Ko It is widely known that high cholesterol levels can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is used to help build cells and make vitamins and other hormones in the body. (1) There are two types of cholesterol: one is [...]

Why the Vancouver Canucks — and non-pro athletes like you — need to be careful about heart health post-COVID

Apr 14, 2021

“Pains in the chest, increased breathing problems, a marked decrease in performance, unexplained fast heart rates, fainting or near fainting,” said James McKinney a sports cardiologist with SportsCardiologyBC. “If you have those type of symptoms, you need to say ‘something’s wrong here’ and let your coach know, or if you’re a weekend warrior, see your [...]
Nearly 100 Saanich firefighters join heart health study for first responders

Nearly 100 Saanich firefighters join heart health study for first responders

Aug 23, 2020

Saanich firefighters chose to show heart health some love and took part in a sports cardio study this month. During the week of June 8, a research team from SportsCardiologyBC spent five days working with and screening members of the Saanich Fire Department, said Assistant Deputy Chief Rob Heppell. The researchers are working their way [...]

Dr. Saul Isserow awarded a 2019-2020 UBC Killam Teaching Prize

Mar 23, 2020

The SCBC team is excited to announce that Dr. Saul Isserow has been awarded a UBC Killam Teaching Prize! This prize is awarded annually to faculty nominated by students, colleagues and alumni in recognition of excellence in teaching. We feel very honoured to be able to work with and learn from Dr. Isserow. Read more [...]
SportsCardiologyBC – A Year in Review

SportsCardiologyBC – A Year in Review

Jan 07, 2020

Dr. Saul Isserow, Head, Sports Cardiology BC SportsCardiologyBC A Year in Review Athletes and physically active individuals are not immune to the risks of cardiac disease. Although, regular habitual exercise has numerous health benefits, vigorous exercise can result in an increased risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac death. In [...]

The Cardiovascular Impact of Cannabis

Aug 01, 2019

By Jonathan RZ Lim Cannabis is the most widely produced and consumed illicit substance in the world, with the number of users approaching 182.5 million globally.1 The upward trend shows no signs of stopping, with Canada legalizing cannabis on October 17th, 2018. Cannabis is known for both its therapeutic and recreational use - many users [...]

Debunking the Runner’s High

May 15, 2019

By Lily Yang, Many long-distance runners are driven by their pursuit of the “runner’s high,” which is described to be a feeling of euphoria and invincibility reached after covering lengthy distances. Exercise in general is known to stimulate the release of a cocktail of mood-boosting neurotransmitters, such as endorphins, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin (1). The [...]

Sports Drinks vs. Chocolate Milk: The debate over the optimal post-exercise recovery drink

Mar 19, 2019

By Alex Borisov, For high-level athletes engaging in intensive training regimens, quick recovery is of the utmost importance, and one important factor to recovery is nutrition. The most well studied recovery foods are drinks high in carbohydrates, due to their ability replenish lost glycogen stores quickly and assist in rehydration. For well over 20 years [...]

Is intermittent fasting simply another fad diet?

Mar 06, 2019

By Lily Yang, From celebrity-endorsed juice detoxes to the cabbage soup diet, fad diets have a long history of luring people into thinking that they hold the secret key to effortless and painless weight-loss. In recent years, another diet trend, called intermittent fasting, has quickly surged in popularity amongst those vying for fast and effective [...]