Sutherland Heart Clinic

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Caringbah, NSW
Sutherland Heart Clinic

Interventional cardiology hospital co-located at Sutherland Hospital at Caringbah in Sydney’s south. In the case of an emergency please call 000.

We provide 24 hour emergency procedures for patients having heart attacks with pre–hospital triage by the ambulance system (known as the PAPA system). So, whatever the time of day, you will be safe at Sutherland Heart Clinic. The co–location means both private and public patients have access to a highly specialised service regardless of their referral source. This results in larger volumes (more t

han 3,500 procedures a year) which have been associated with increased safety and improved outcomes. Safety is our number one priority and our team includes highly trained procedural cardiologists, clinical cardiologists, anaesthetists, radiographers, specialist nurses, theatre personnel and administrative staff. Cardiac and vascular surgeons also offer additional support services. In addition to our strong focus on patient safety, Sutherland Heart Clinic also invests heavily in new technology and our radiology equipment is high tech with a focus on delivering low radiation dose procedures to patients. We also use “newer” technologies, including intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography and fractional flow reserve. Sutherland Heart Clinic offers a wide range of procedures including diagnostic studies, angioplasty procedures (with stents) and pacemaker procedures. At Sutherland Heart Clinic, we’re committed to excellence, quality and safety, in addition to research and teaching. Facebook - Terms of Use / House Rules:

This page is open to all and user comments are welcome. Users are free to post their comments freely, and converse with each other - as long as these contributions are positive, constructive and respectful of others. We aim to keep this site a positive and welcoming place for all. Please note our terms of use and “house rules” outlined below. We support diversity, and diverse views and discussion are welcome. However any comments that may cause harm or are considered to be discriminatory will be removed. We expect that users will not post content that falls into the following categories and we reserve the right to remove any postings that are:

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The views, opinions, and information expressed in user-generated comments remain with the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Sutherland Heart Clinic or its staff. While user generated comments are not edited, to ensure a positive experience for visitors of this site and the broader community, we may report or remove any posts at our discretion or any content or comments containing spam, profanity, or otherwise objectionable or prohibited material. Please note that reviews are turned off on this page in order to maintain compliance with AHPRA guidelines. Healthcare advice:

This site provides health information of a general nature only. It is not intended to be taken as professional health advice. Everyone’s healthcare situation is different, and if you have any healthcare concerns or require any information about your own personal healthcare situation or needs, you are advised to consult a healthcare professional. What to do in an emergency:

This site is not monitored by healthcare professionals. Community management:

This site is monitored Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. If you contact us outside of business hours, we will aim to respond to your message on the next business day. Last reviewed and updated by Sutherland Heart Clinic, January 2022

17/07/2025

Have you, or a loved one, been referred for a cardiac MRI? If so, here’s a quick explainer to help you feel more informed ahead of your appointment.

🫀 What is a cardiac MRI?
A cardiac MRI is a scan that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to take detailed pictures of your heart and surrounding tissues. While MRIs are used across the body to investigate a range of conditions, a cardiac MRI focuses specifically on the heart and blood vessels. It’s one of several imaging tests that may be used to assess your heart — and it can provide crucial information to guide your treatment plan and care.

🫀 Why is someone sent for a cardiac MRI?
A cardiac MRI can help to:
• Detect abnormalities in the heart’s structure or function
• Assess damage from a previous heart attack
• Diagnose heart muscle disease or inflammation
• Identify congenital defects or heart tumours

🫀 What happens during a cardiac MRI?
You’ll lie on a table that slides into the MRI machine, where detailed images of your heart are taken. You may be asked to briefly hold your breath while each image is captured. The scan is painless and typically takes about 45 minutes. The machine can be noisy, so you’ll be able to communicate with your care team throughout the process via headphones.

🫀 What happens after the scan?
Once your scan is complete, your doctor will review the images and explain what they show. The results may be used to confirm a diagnosis, monitor a known condition, or plan the next steps in your treatment and care.

🫀 Learn more about Dr Manoj Rajamohan
Dr Manoj Rajamohan is an Australian-trained cardiologist and specialist in advanced cardiovascular imaging (MRI, CT and Echocardiography). He is a staff specialist cardiologist and the clinical lead for Cardiac MRI at The Sutherland Hospital and Sutherland Heart Clinic.

You can read more about Dr Rajamohan on our website here: https://www.sutherlandheartclinic.com.au/manoj-rajamohan/

This information is provided for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your heart or what investigations are right for you, please discuss these with your GP or cardiologist.

14/07/2025

After a heart attack, one of the most common concerns we hear from patients is: “When can I start moving again — and how much is too much?”

It’s completely normal to feel hesitant about returning to physical activity. But staying active is one of the most important parts of your recovery. The key is knowing how and when to start — and being guided by your healthcare team.

In most cases, you’ll be encouraged to start with light everyday movements at home, like preparing meals or walking around the house. Heavier activities like vacuuming or lawn mowing should wait until your doctor gives the all-clear. A safe, steady return to movement helps reduce the risk of another heart event, improves energy levels, and supports your mental wellbeing.

The best place to start? A cardiac rehabilitation program. Cardiac rehab offers personalised support and safe exercise plans that are tailored to your condition and recovery stage.

And remember: always speak with your doctor or cardiac rehab team before resuming any activity. What’s right for one person may not be safe for another, especially in the early weeks post-discharge.

Sutherland Heart Clinic is one of Australia’s leading interventional cardiology hospitals, performing more than 3,500 procedures each year.

If you’ve recently had a heart procedure with us and have questions about physical activity, please speak to your doctor or cardiologist for personalised advice.

10/07/2025

If you have an irregular heart beat, your doctor may have discussed a procedure and device with you called an implantable defibrillator.

If so, here is some information about the procedure and device, why they might be needed and what to expect.

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (which is often referred to as an ICD) is a small medical device for the heart that helps to fix a fast or abnormal heart rhythm.

It acts like a pacemaker but it also has the ability to deliver a shock to your heart if it goes into a fast or abnormal heart rhythm. This shock helps to slows down your heart beat and return it to a normal rhythm.

An ICD can be used when there is a disturbance in the heart’s ability to transmit electrical impulses. This results in the heart beating irregularly. Heart rhythm disturbance can cause dizziness and fatigue or make you feel unwell.

You will have a general anaesthetic for this procedure, so any shocks delivered during the testing of the device will not be felt.

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator procedure takes about one to two hours.

You will be admitted to the clinic on the morning of your procedure and then stay overnight to have your newly inserted device tested the following day.

You can learn more about this device and procedure here: https://www.sutherlandheartclinic.com.au/implantable-defibrillator/

Your doctor will explain this procedure to you in detail. However, if you have any questions or concerns about your procedure, please let your doctor know.

Sutherland Heart Clinic is a major interventional cardiology hospital serving Southern Sydney located at Sutherland Hospital at Caringbah.

07/07/2025

I’m living with a heart condition — is it safe for me to drink alcohol?

That’s a common question many people ask after being diagnosed with a heart condition.

The short answer? Cutting back on alcohol may have benefits for your heart health — and in some cases, not drinking at all is the safest approach.

If you’ve been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF), high blood pressure, or cardiomyopathy, alcohol can increase your risk of complications. Even moderate drinking may raise your blood pressure or trigger abnormal rhythms like AF.

For others, reducing or avoiding alcohol can help manage heart failure symptoms and lower overall cardiovascular risk.

The best advice? Speak with your GP or cardiologist about your personal risk and whether alcohol is safe for you.

This July, we’re supporting Dry July, a fundraiser that encourages people to go alcohol-free to raise funds for those affected by cancer. Whether you're participating for a cause or for your own health — going dry this month might be a positive step for your heart too.

You can learn more about Dry July here: dryjuly.com

03/07/2025

👨‍⚕️ Meet Dr Mark Pitney OAM, Clinical Director at Sutherland Heart Clinic.

Dr Pitney also serves as Head of the Cardiology Department at Sutherland Hospital, Staff Specialist at Prince of Wales Hospital, and Co-Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee for both Sutherland and Eastern Heart Clinics.

Internationally recognised for his work in stent technology, radiation reduction, and procedural safety, Dr Pitney is a leader in interventional cardiology and a dedicated mentor to the next generation of cardiologists.

He is a Conjoint Lecturer at the University of NSW and a regular faculty member at major national and international cardiology meetings. Dr Pitney is also the founding organiser of Action Day, Australia’s largest complications avoidance conference. Held each June in Sydney, this highly sought-after event draws over 700 clinicians annually and is consistently oversubscribed.

A passionate advocate for improving patient outcomes, Dr Pitney has been instrumental in driving outcomes research and advancing safety standards in the cardiac catheter lab. He has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications and presentations and played a key role in national Medicare reform discussions.

After graduating with Honours from the University of NSW in 1984, Dr Pitney was one of Australia’s earliest fellows in interventional cardiology—recognising the transformative potential of angioplasty early in its evolution.

You can learn more about Dr Pitney and our team at Sutherland Heart Clinic on our website here: www.sutherlandheartclinic.com.au/all-doctors/

28/06/2025

Looking after your heart doesn’t have to be complicated — one of the best things you can do is simply move more, every day.

Regular physical activity helps reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. It also strengthens muscles, supports bone health, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and boosts your overall sense of wellbeing.

How much is enough?
According to the Australian Physical Activity Guidelines, adults should aim for:
✔️ 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate exercise per week – like brisk walking, gardening, or cycling OR
✔️ 75 minutes (1.25 hours) of vigorous activity – like running, fast swimming or aerobic exercise

If you’re already reaching 30 minutes of exercise a day, that’s fantastic. To see even greater heart health benefits, try increasing the amount or intensity of your activity.

If you’re not quite there yet, you’re not alone — over half of Australians aren’t getting enough physical activity. The good news is, it’s never too late to start. Begin with short walks or light activity and build up slowly. Talk to your GP about the right kind of exercise for your health needs.

Are you doing your 30 minutes a day? Start small. Stay consistent. Your heart will thank you.

If you’d like to learn more or get more exercise guidance or inspo, go to the Heart Foundation here: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/healthy-living/physical-activity/staying-active

24/06/2025

🫀 What is a Cardiac CT – and Why Might You Need One?
A cardiac CT scan, also known as a CT coronary angiogram, is a non-invasive imaging test that uses X-rays and advanced computer technology to produce detailed 3D images of the heart and its blood vessels.

🫀 This scan is often used to:
• Check for blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries
• Detect calcium deposits that may indicate plaque buildup
• Assess the risk of heart attack
• Investigate causes of chest pain or shortness of breath
• Examine other heart-related structures, such as the aorta or pulmonary arteries

🫀 How it works:
A CT scanner takes multiple X-ray images of the heart while it’s beating. These are combined by a computer to create highly detailed pictures that allow doctors to closely examine the heart and surrounding vessels.

🫀 Key benefits:
• Non-invasive: No surgery or catheter is needed
• Accurate: Produces clear, 3D images for thorough assessment
• Early detection: Can help identify heart disease before serious symptoms appear

🫀 Cardiac CT is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps doctors assess heart health, detect problems early, and guide appropriate treatment.

Dr George Youssef is a specialist cardiologist with a strong interest in cardiac imaging, including echocardiography and CT coronary angiography. He is director of echocardiography at St George Public Hospital and teaches junior doctors through his role as a conjoint lecturer at UNSW. You can read more about Dr Youssef here: https://www.sutherlandheartclinic.com.au/george-youssef/

21/06/2025

If you’re having a cardiac procedure at Sutherland Heart Clinic, you'll be closely monitored by a team of highly trained clinicians throughout your procedure from both the catheter lab, where your procedure is being conducted, and from an elevated control room (pictured).

We use high-tech radiology and monitoring equipment to view and monitor all aspects of your heart (including its structure, vessels and electrical activity) and vital signs throughout your procedure.

You'll be cared for by a skilled and experienced team of procedural cardiologists, anaesthetists, radiographers, specialist nurses, and theatre personnel throughout your procedure.

You can read more about what to expect on the day of your procedure here: https://www.sutherlandheartclinic.com.au/my-procedure-day/

And if you have any questions at any time, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help.

17/06/2025

Are you looking for some heart-healthy foods to start your day?

Now the weather is cooling, why not tuck into a bowl of porridge or oats?

Oats contain a soluble fibre called beta-glucan, which lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels (both total and "bad" LDL cholesterol) - so they’re good for your heart.

You can read more about the heart benefits of wholegrains and oats on the Heart Foundation website here: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/bundles/healthy-living-and-eating/wholegrains-and-heart-health

Enjoy.

14/06/2025

Are you or a loved one scheduled to have a pacemaker procedure in the coming weeks?

If so, here is an explanation of the procedure, and what to expect on the day.

A permanent pacemaker is implanted when there is a disturbance in the heart’s ability to transmit electrical impulses.

This may result in the heart beating too slow and/or too fast or irregularly. Disturbances in the rhythm of the heart can cause dizziness, fatigue, fainting spells or shortness of breath.

A permanent pacemaker delivers electrical impulses to the heart via one or two flexible insulated wires to restore normal function and rhythm.

During the procedure, your doctor will inject local anaesthetic into the wall of your chest to prepare to implant the device.

A small pocket is then made under the skin, and electrodes (wires) are introduced into the right side of the heart via a vein.

The electrodes are then positioned under X-ray and tested.

The pacemaker is then attached, and the skin is sealed with dissolvable stitches.

A permanent pacemaker procedure normally takes about one hour.

Patients at Sutherland Heart Clinic generally stay at the clinic for about six to eight hours from the time of admission to the time of discharge. However, some cardiologists prefer for their patients to stay in overnight. Your doctor will discuss what arrangements are best for you.

You can access our patient guide for this procedure here:
https://www.sutherlandheartclinic.com.au/pacemakers/

Always let your doctor know if you have any questions or concerns before your procedure.

Sutherland Heart Clinic is a major interventional cardiology hospital serving Southern Sydney located at Sutherland Hospital at Caringbah.

10/06/2025

Meet Dr Ben Ng. He's a specialist cardiologist at Sutherland Heart Clinic.

Dr Ng has a special interest in the management of arrhythmias, a condition where the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm.

He completed his medical degree at the University of New South Wales, graduating with 1st class honours. He then undertook sub-specialty fellowships in cardiac electrophysiology and pacing at Prince of Wales Hospital, Sutherland Heart Clinic, and Toronto General Hospital in Canada.

Dr Ng is passionate about medical education and he has won numerous awards for undergraduate teaching and postgraduate mentorship.

He takes pride in having clear and open communication with all of his patients and their families.

You can read more about our cardiologists at Sutherland Heart Clinic here: https://www.sutherlandheartclinic.com.au/all-doctors/

07/06/2025

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia seen in Australia—and a leading cardiac risk factor for stroke.

In a healthy heart, the upper chambers (atria) contract in a regular, coordinated rhythm. If someone has Atrial Fibrillation, these chambers quiver or beat chaotically, disrupting normal blood flow and increasing the risk of clots.

Atrial Fibrillation can be intermittent or persistent, and may not always cause noticeable symptoms.

🫀 Risks of Atrial Fibrillation

Early detection and management are important to manage and reduce the risks of complications. If left unchecked, Atrial Fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke and heart-related death.

🫀 Atrial Fibrillation in Australia

It’s estimated that more than 500,000 Australians are living with Atrial Fibrillation, and that number increases with age. Many cases go undiagnosed until after a serious event like a stroke.

Common risk factors include:
• Being aged 65 or over
• High blood pressure
• Heart or lung disease
• Excess alcohol intake
• Sleep apnoea
• Family history of arrhythmia

🫀 Preventative, heart health actions

👉 If you’ve noticed a fluttering heartbeat, fatigue or breathlessness, speak to your GP.
👉 If you’re aged 45 and over—or 30+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people—book your free annual Heart Health Check through Medicare.

This week is World Heart Rhythm Week (2–8 June 2025).

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Caringbah, NSW

Website

https://www.sutherlandheartclinic.com.au/

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