Services tailored for you.

At Core Cardiology we provide a full array of non-invasive cardiac investigations, diagnostics and heart imaging. We offer a comprehensive management and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. All invasive procedures are performed externally at either the Canberra Hospital, Calvary Bruce Private Hospital or National Capital Private Hospital.

Consultations

Initial Consultations

The initial consultation is a complete assessment of your clinical concerns and an opportunity to discuss face to face with our cardiologists so we can tailor investigations to help diagnose your condition or to reassure you with regards to your symptoms. A full report will be sent to your General Practitioner and a copy to yourself.

Review Consultations

At a review appointment you and your cardiologist will discuss your condition and the results of all tests in a simple to understand manner. A letter including all investigation results will be sent to your General Practitioner and a copy to yourself.

Tele Consultations

If appropriate, our cardiologists will call you to briefly discuss tests and results and follow up plans at a time convenient for you. This option is mainly reserved for patients who live remotely and find it difficult to travel to the clinic.

Diagnostics & Imaging

Echocardiograms

An ultrasound examination of your heart to assess a condition of your heart and how well your heart is pumping and contracting. A very safe and effective investigation to give a complete picture of your heart health. An ultrasound is the same test pregnant women get to look at their baby but this time we look at your heart.

Stress Echocardiograms (Stress Tests)

Utilising the echocardiogram described above and a treadmill, similar to those found in the gym, as well as close ECG monitoring, we can conduct what is known as a “stress test” to determine a cause of many of your symptoms. This is not a fitness test but will be performed to your level or to the level determined by our trained and experienced staff. It is safe and will last up to 20-30 minutes.

ECGs (Electrocardiograms)

Electrocardiogram is a baseline test for nearly all cardiac patients. It provides a considerable amount of information for the cardiologist and most new patients require this prior to their appointment.

Holter Monitors

A Holter Monitor is a small portable device that records every heart beat for a period of time, either 24hr, 48hr or 72hr. This can pick up dangerous heart rhythm problems and helps diagnose any heart rhythm issues.

Blood Pressure Monitors

A24hr Blood Pressure monitor records your blood pressure at intermittent intervals to give an average blood pressure result that is more accurate than a standalone recording in the office. This can help to truly diagnose if you have high blood pressure or if it is a result of a single elevated recording with a doctor.

Diagnosis & Management

Medical Management

Medical Management is the term given for how the doctor treats a condition that has been diagnosed but does not require aggressive therapy such as surgery or other interventional procedures. Medical management might be appropriate given your preference or your current clinical situation and this can be discussed with your cardiologist.

Invasive Management

Invasive Management involves an actual procedure to diagnose and treat your condition. This might involve a procedure such as an angiogram, a stent or a pacemaker. An invasive procedure is only conducted following rigorous testing to ensure that it is appropriate and in your best interest.

Device Checks

A device check is an assessment of the functioning of your pacemaker or defibrillator. It will also normally involve a review with your cardiologist to discuss these results. We also provide a home monitoring service to ensure your device is safely monitored from the convenience of your home.

Ad Hoc Investigations

Occasionally your General Practitioner may request cardiac investigations ad hoc which means we will perform these tests without an assessment of the patient by a cardiologist and the result will go straight to the referring doctor and to yourself.

Procedures

Angiograms

An angiogram is an invasive procedure involving a small tube or catheter that is inserted into an artery that will visualise the blood vessels in the heart in much more detail. It will give a formative assessment of your coronary arteries and determine whether action is needed to treat these. Please discuss with your cardiologist in more detail about this procedure.

Angioplasty (STENT)

Angioplasty is the term used to treat a blockage in a heart artery. Our specialist cardiologist will be able to place a small device called a stent to open up that blockage. The procedure can significantly improve your symptoms but occasionally can also be life saving.

Pacemakers & Devices Implantation

A pacemaker is an invasive implanted procedure into the heart that helps the electrical/conduction system of the heart to work properly. It is both symptomatic improvement and life saving.

A defibrillator is a more complex form of a pacemaker that not only treats low heart rates associated with electrical/conduction disorders but also treats fast, dangerous heart rhythms and is life saving if implanted appropriately.

‍CRT (Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy) is a highly complex device implanted in those with some of the most complex cardiac conditions. It will help sick hearts contract more efficiently and improve not only symptoms but also life expectancy. Although similar to a pacemaker our cardiologists have to implant additional leads in the right area to ensure its effectiveness. Our cardiologists will discuss this procedure in more detail if you fulfil these specific criteria for implantation.

TAVI

TAVI is the process of implanting a life-saving new heart valve into a heavily diseased heart valve. There are very few specialists able to perform this procedure of which Dr Pal is the lead specialist in Canberra in this technique setting up and delivering the service for patients at the Canberra Hospital.

Other Procedures

We provide a range of other procedures that may be indicated for your condition, including PFO or ASD closure, loop recorder, bubble study etc. All can be discussed with your cardiologist during your appointment.

Appointment information

The process

We require a valid referral before you attend your appointment. You are welcome to contact us to make a booking or we will contact you as soon as we receive your referral to arrange the most appropriate appointment. We triage urgent appointments with input from our specialists.
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Referrals can be sent via:
HealthLink: drpscott
info@corecardiology.com.au Fax: (02) 6169 3008

What to bring

Before you attend your appointment please make sure you have:

- Valid referral from your GP or Specialist
- Updated medications list
- All past investigations including recent pathology if available
- Medicare card
- Health Fund details if applicable
- Comfortable shoes and clothing if you are attending for stress test
- Payment is required on the day. Medicare rebate applies. Please contact our staff for fees applicable