Coronary CT Angiogram

A Computed Tomography (CT) Coronary Angiogram is a non-invasive diagnostic test that provides detailed images of the coronary arteries, which are responsible for delivering blood to the heart. The test is valuable in identifying and assessing coronary artery plaque—cholesterol or calcium buildup in the arterial walls—which can lead to the narrowing of arteries. This imaging technique is typically used to evaluate symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. It is also requested following abnormal results from other tests like an ECG or echocardiogram, or as a preparatory step before heart surgeries such as valve replacement. This procedure is always done at a specialist Radiology Centre.

Coronary Calcium Score:

A Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score is a non-invasive test that measures the amount of calcium plaque in your heart's arteries. The higher the calcium score, the greater your risk of a future heart attack. This test provides a personalized assessment of your cardiac risk, even before symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath appear. By identifying coronary artery calcium, the CAC Score enables proactive strategies to reduce the risk of heart attacks. It is ideal for asymptomatic patients, particularly those with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease. This test is conducted at a specialist radiology center.

Cardiac Consultations

At Springwood Cardiology, our team of expert cardiologists is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive cardiac consultations tailored to your unique needs. We assess your heart health and develop personalized care plans that address your cardiovascular concerns. Serving patients across Springwood, Yarrabilba, Logan and the surrounding areas, we prioritize your well-being. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your health and medical history in detail. Our approach focuses on preventive care, covering essential topics like diet, exercise, blood pressure management, and cholesterol control, as well as any existing cardiovascular issues. We believe in exploring all available options during your visit to ensure you feel empowered in your healthcare journey. If further investigation through cardiac testing or procedures is necessary, we will guide you through the next steps, ensuring you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your heart health.

Echocardiograms

Echocardiograms are vital for diagnosing heart conditions, utilizing advanced ultrasound technology to capture detailed images of the heart. At our cutting-edge facilities in Springwood and Yarrabilba, we offer this service with the highest standards of care. Our echocardiography machines deliver uncompromised image quality, advanced visualization, and easy, precise measurements in both 2D and 4D. With state-of-the-art quantification capabilities, we can efficiently assess even the most complex heart conditions, providing you with timely and accurate diagnoses.

Stress Echocardiograms

Stress Echocardiograms are essential in evaluating heart function under stress, making them a key tool in diagnosing conditions such as coronary artery disease. This test measures how well your heart performs when it's working harder, such as during exercise, and provides insights into your heart's functional capacity. Available at both Springwood and Yarrabilba Cardiology, our Stress Echocardiograms help assess the heart's ability to pump blood effectively under stress, ensuring you receive timely, accurate care for managing your heart health.

Hypertension Screening

At Springwood and Yarrabilba Cardiology, we understand that high blood pressure (hypertension) is a common condition, affecting 1 in 5 Australians. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure. Hypertension during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia) poses risks for both mother and baby. Blood pressure is measured in two phases: systolic (when the heart pumps blood) and diastolic (when the heart rests between beats). Hypertension occurs when pressure in the arteries is consistently higher than normal, increasing the risk of complications. Regular monitoring is key, as hypertension often has no symptoms but can lead to severe consequences if undetected.

Holter & Event Monitor:

A Holter Monitor is a portable device worn continuously(24hrs to 30 days) to record your heart's electrical activity. It helps detect irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may not show up during a standard ECG. Patients can go about their daily activities while wearing the device, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of their heart function over an extended period. An Event Monitor is similar but is worn for a longer duration, typically a few weeks. Instead of continuously recording, it is activated by the patient when symptoms occur, such as dizziness, palpitations, or chest discomfort. This device captures intermittent arrhythmias that may not happen every day, providing crucial data for diagnosis and treatment. Both monitors are non-invasive and provide valuable insights for diagnosing conditions such as atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, or bradycardia.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Accurate blood pressure monitoring is vital for managing hypertension. Blood Pressure Monitor is a compact digital device worn continuously for a full day, allowing your blood pressure to be measured as you go about your regular daily activities, including during periods of rest and sleep. This test provides a more accurate and comprehensive assessment compared to a single, one-time reading in our clinic. By tracking your blood pressure throughout the day and night, your doctor can gain valuable insights into fluctuations and patterns that may not be visible in a standard reading. This continuous monitoring helps in diagnosing conditions like hypertension more accurately and in tailoring treatment plans based on how your blood pressure responds to different activities and rest periods. It’s an essential tool for managing your heart health effectively.

ECG (Electrocardiogram)

At Springwood Cardiology, an Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a quick, painless, and safe test used to measure the electrical activity of your heart. By placing small electrodes on your chest, the ECG captures a detailed recording of your heart’s rhythm, rate, and the strength of electrical impulses as they travel through different parts of the heart. The standard 12-lead ECG, which takes only about 5 minutes, provides vital information to help our cardiologist diagnose and manage a range of heart conditions. This simple yet powerful test can detect irregular heart rhythms, assess overall heart function, and aid in the early detection of potential issues, ensuring you receive the best possible care. Utilizing speckle-tracking technology to assess cardiac function, our Strain Imaging detects early signs of cardiomyopathy and monitors treatment effectiveness. This advanced echocardiography technique evaluates left and right ventricular function, aiding diagnosis of heart failure, coronary artery disease, and cardiac fibrosis.

Heart Bug Monitoring

The 30 Day Heart Bug is an innovative device that continuously monitors your heart's activity for a full month, delivering comprehensive insights into your cardiovascular health. Available to patients in Springwood, Yarrabilba, and surrounding areas, this advanced heart monitor is designed to enhance your heart care. The HeartBug is a compact event monitor that records your heart rate and rhythm over an extended period. It features both patient-activated recording, allowing you to correlate any symptoms you experience with your heart's rhythm, as well as automatic recording to capture non-symptomatic arrhythmias. This dual functionality ensures that you receive a thorough assessment of your heart health