Eastern Heart Clinic

Eastern Heart Clinic Interventional cardiology hospital co-located at the Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick in Sydney. In the case of an emergency please call 000.

We are one of the largest and busiest interventional cardiology hospitals in Australia, performing more than 5,500 procedures annually. Our team includes procedural cardiologists, clinical cardiologists, visiting cardiac and vascular surgeons, anaesthetists, radiographers, specialist nurses, theatre personnel and administrative staff. We’re a unique health service in that we operate a private cardiology service within a major tertiary hospital. This means both private and public patients have access to this highly specialised service regardless of their referral source. Our mission is to provide best practice in cardiovascular medicine, interventional cardiac studies, patient care, clinical teaching and research. 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:

- off-topic and not appropriate for discussion in this forum
- in violation of another’s privacy
- vexatious, fraudulent, deceptive or misleading
- abusive, defamatory, threatening, harassing, discriminatory or otherwise offensive
- of a political nature or promote particular services, products, or political organisations
- illegal or advocate illegal activity
- in violation of another’s intellectual property or infringe upon copyrights or trademarks

The views, opinions, and information expressed in user-generated comments remain with the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Eastern 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 Eastern Heart Clinic, January 2022

If you have an irregular heart rhythm such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, your cardiologist may recommend a p...
27/10/2025

If you have an irregular heart rhythm such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, your cardiologist may recommend a procedure called a cardioversion. This is a minimally invasive, commonly conducted procedure that helps to restore your heart’s normal rhythm.

🫀 How it works
Cardioversion is performed under intravenous sedation. Once you are unconscious, your cardiologist delivers a controlled electrical shock to your heart through electrodes on your chest. This “resets” your heart rhythm. You will not be aware of or feel the shock.

🫀 What to expect
• The procedure itself usually takes around 30 minutes.
• Including admission, preparation, and recovery time, most day-stay patients are at the clinic for three to five hours.
• You’ll be monitored throughout and after the procedure before being discharged home the same day.
• Please arrange for someone to drive you home, as you should not drive or fly for 24 hours after your procedure.

🫀 Before and after
If you are scheduled for a cardioversion at Eastern Heart Clinic, one of our experienced cardiac nurses will call you before your procedure to confirm your admission time, fasting and medication instructions, and to answer any questions. After discharge, it’s recommended that someone stays with you overnight in case you need assistance.

👉 You can learn more in our full patient explainer here:
https://www.ehc.com.au/cardioversion/

Looking for a quick and easy heart-healthy dinner? This oven-baked chicken & quinoa risotto from the Heart Foundation is...
23/10/2025

Looking for a quick and easy heart-healthy dinner? This oven-baked chicken & quinoa risotto from the Heart Foundation is one of our favourites. It combines creamy comfort with the goodness of protein-rich quinoa.

Oven-Baked Chicken & Quinoa Risotto (Serves 4) | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 45 mins

Ingredients:
🥘 1 tablespoon olive oil
🥘 500g skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into 3cm pieces
🥘 1 medium onion, finely chopped
🥘 2 garlic cloves, crushed
🥘 1 medium zucchini, finely chopped
🥘 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
🥘 1 medium red capsicum, finely chopped
🥘 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
🥘 2 cups reduced-salt chicken stock
🥘 400g can no added salt diced tomatoes
🥘 ½ cup frozen peas
🥘 ⅓ cup finely grated reduced-fat parmesan cheese
🥘 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Serve warm with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil for a wholesome, heart-smart family meal.

Get the full recipe and step-by-step instructions at the Heart Foundation here:
🔗 https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/recipes/oven-baked-chicken-and-quinoa-risotto

Eastern Heart Clinic proudly supports the Heart Foundation’s mission to help Australians make heart-smart lifestyle choices — because small changes can make a big difference.

📷 Image and recipe credit: Heart Foundation

Many risk factors for heart disease are within our control — things like diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol u...
20/10/2025

Many risk factors for heart disease are within our control — things like diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use. Making positive lifestyle changes in these areas can go a long way to protecting your heart health.

But there are also some risk factors you can’t change. Being aware of them is just as important, because it helps you and your GP plan the right checks and prevention strategies for you.

Here are five key non-modifiable risk factors:

📆 Age
The risk of heart disease increases as you get older. This makes regular Heart Health Checks even more important with age.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family history
If a close relative had a heart attack or stroke before age 60, your risk may be higher. While you can’t change your family history, you can act early to manage other risks.

♀️ Female-specific risk factors
Conditions such as high blood pressure in pregnancy, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and menopause can all raise future heart disease risk. These should be discussed openly with your GP.

🌏 Ethnic background
People of South Asian, Middle Eastern, Maori or Pacific Islander descent face higher risk. In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are disproportionately affected, often at a younger age.

🏘️ Social environment
Your community, access to healthcare, and opportunities for healthy living also play a role in your heart health.

While these risks can’t be changed, recognising them early means you can take proactive steps. Regular Heart Health Checks, open conversations with your GP, and focusing on the lifestyle factors you can control all help to reduce your overall risk.

15/10/2025

🚑 October is Shocktober – a month dedicated to raising awareness of cardiac arrest and the importance of knowing how to “restart a heart.”

Every year, more than 9,000 people in NSW experience a sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Sadly, only around 12% survive. That’s because for every minute without CPR or defibrillation, the chance of survival falls by up to 10%.

That’s why NSW Ambulance has partnered with the GoodSAM app – a free, life-saving tool that connects trained responders and everyday volunteers to patients in those first critical minutes, while paramedics are on their way.

When a Triple Zero (000) call is made for a cardiac arrest, nearby GoodSAM volunteers receive an alert.

Volunteers can provide CPR and, if available, use a nearby defibrillator (AED) to restart the person’s heart.

NSW Ambulance has now linked the public defibrillator registry into the app, so volunteers know exactly where to find the closest AED.

Since launching in 2023, GoodSAM has already helped directly save lives here in NSW – and anyone over 18 can register. You don’t need formal training to help; just a willingness to step in and start chest compressions until paramedics arrive.

This Restart a Heart Day, ask yourself: would you know what to do if someone nearby collapsed from cardiac arrest?

Learn the three simple steps that save lives:
• Call 000
• Push hard and fast on the chest
• Shock with a defibrillator, if available

You can learn more about the GoodSAM app and registering to become a volunteer at: www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/goodsam



Video credit: Ambulance NSW

Love what you eat, love your heart ❤️This National Nutrition Week (13–19 October), we’re celebrating the joy of food — n...
13/10/2025

Love what you eat, love your heart ❤️

This National Nutrition Week (13–19 October), we’re celebrating the joy of food — not just as fuel, but as something that nourishes our bodies, supports our wellbeing, and brings people together.

One of the most powerful ways you can protect your heart health is through what’s on your plate. The Heart Foundation’s 5-step heart-healthy eating pattern shows that small, long-term changes really do make a big difference.

Here’s how you can get started:

🥦 Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit and wholegrains
Fill half your plate with colourful vegetables and fruit, and swap refined carbs for wholegrain bread, rice, pasta and oats. Fibre helps lower cholesterol and supports heart health.

🥜 Choose healthy proteins
Opt for legumes, beans, nuts, and seeds, along with fish and seafood. Include smaller amounts of lean poultry and eggs, and limit red meat to 1–3 times per week.

🥛 Enjoy unflavoured dairy
Milk, yoghurt and cheese can provide valuable calcium and protein. Choose unflavoured varieties with no added sugar, and reduced-fat options if you have high cholesterol or heart disease.

🥑 Include healthy fats
Avocados, olives, nuts, seeds, and heart-healthy oils like olive and canola are all good choices. Aim for 2–3 serves of fish each week to benefit from omega-3s.

🌿 Flavour with herbs and spices, not salt
Excess salt can raise blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. Swap the salt shaker for garlic, lemon, chilli, fresh herbs and spices.

💡 Remember: eating well for your heart doesn’t mean cutting out the foods you love. It’s about balance, variety, and enjoying meals that are both delicious and nourishing.

This week is the perfect time to make one small change you can keep going — and show your heart some love.

For even more heart-healthy inspiration, visit the Heart Foundation’s website — a one-stop resource for recipes, meal plans, and practical tools to support your heart health: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/healthy-living/healthy-eating/heart-healthy-eating-pattern

Did you know your mental health and heart health are closely linked?Research shows that living with a mental health cond...
09/10/2025

Did you know your mental health and heart health are closely linked?

Research shows that living with a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression can increase your risk of heart disease.

Stressors like loneliness, social isolation and work pressures can also affect both your emotional wellbeing and your heart.

The good news is that mental health conditions can be managed safely and effectively, even for those already living with heart disease. Early support makes a real difference.

Anxiety is more than everyday stress or worry. Symptoms can include a racing heart, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing or obsessive thoughts. It is the most common mental health condition in Australia.

Depression goes beyond feeling low—it can cause loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and negative thoughts that persist for weeks or months.

Around 3 million Australians live with depression or anxiety, and many of them also live with heart disease. Left untreated, these conditions can make recovery harder and increase the risk of further heart problems.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression:
• Talk to your GP as a first step.
• Let your cardiologist or healthcare team know, so they too can support your care.
• Reach out to support services such as Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) or Head to Health (1800 595 212).

Taking action for your mental health is also an important step for your heart. 💙
• Learn more about the link between mental health and heart disease: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/mental-health-and-heart-disease
• Find mental health support: https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/

🫀 Are you scheduled to have a permanent pacemaker procedure? If so, here is an explainer about the procedure, and what t...
06/10/2025

🫀 Are you scheduled to have a permanent pacemaker procedure?

If so, here is an explainer about the procedure, and what to expect on the day.

A permanent pacemaker may be recommended 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.

🫀 What happens during a permanent pacemaker procedure?

During the procedure, a 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.

🫀 How long does the procedure take and how long will I be at the hospital?

A permanent pacemaker procedure normally takes about one hour.

Patients at Eastern 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.

🫀 Where can I learn more

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

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

Eastern Heart Clinic is one of the largest interventional cardiology hospitals in Australia, located at the Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick.

Meet Dr Kevin Liou, he’s an interventional and imaging cardiologist with expertise in complex coronary intervention, adv...
02/10/2025

Meet Dr Kevin Liou, he’s an interventional and imaging cardiologist with expertise in complex coronary intervention, advanced echocardiography, and the delivery of evidence-based, personalised cardiovascular care.

After graduating with Honours in Medicine from the University of New South Wales, Dr Liou went on to complete a Master of Public Health with Merit at the University of Sydney. He was awarded a joint postgraduate research fellowship by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the National Heart Foundation of Australia, and holds a PhD focused on advanced coronary diagnostics, specialised echocardiography, and coronary inflammation.

Dr Liou completed advanced interventional cardiology training at the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, United Kingdom, followed by a further 12 months of specialist training at Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney. His research has been widely published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences, contributing to improved outcomes for patients.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr Liou holds academic appointments at the University of New South Wales and Western Sydney University, where he teaches and mentors the next generation of doctors. He consults at Prince of Wales Public and Private Hospitals and is a Visiting Medical Officer at Eastern Heart Clinic.

Dr Liou is fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese.

📍 Eastern Heart Clinic | Prince of Wales Hospital | Prince of Wales Private Hospital

🫀 World Heart Day — Don’t Miss a Beat 🫀Today is World Heart Day, a global reminder that every heartbeat matters. Heart d...
28/09/2025

🫀 World Heart Day — Don’t Miss a Beat 🫀

Today is World Heart Day, a global reminder that every heartbeat matters.

Heart disease is the leading cause of premature death worldwide—but many cases are preventable. This year’s theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat,” highlights the importance of early detection, better access to care, and the everyday choices you can make to protect your heart.

Even if you feel well, silent risks like high blood pressure or early coronary disease can be present without symptoms. That’s why prevention and regular checks are so important.

Here are some simple but powerful steps you can take for your heart:

• See your GP regularly — even if you feel well. A simple check can reveal risks early.
• Know your numbers — keep track of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
• Make heart-healthy choices every day — stay active, eat a balanced diet, reduce salt, limit alcohol, and quit smoking.
• Care for your mental wellbeing — managing stress, anxiety, or depression also helps protect your heart.

If you’re over 45—or over 30 if you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian—and you haven’t previously been diagnosed with heart disease, ask your GP about an annual Heart Health Check. It’s covered by Medicare once per year and can help you understand your risk of heart attack or stroke.

On World Heart Day, take a moment to put your heart health first. Early detection and small daily habits make all the difference. Don’t miss a beat.

Could an existing health condition be putting your heart at risk?Some health conditions can raise your risk of heart dis...
25/09/2025

Could an existing health condition be putting your heart at risk?

Some health conditions can raise your risk of heart disease. The good news is that with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can take steps to protect your heart.

Here are four common conditions to be aware of:

📈 High blood pressure
Often called a “silent risk,” high blood pressure usually has no symptoms—but it puts extra strain on your arteries and heart. Around one in three adults live with it. The only way to know is with a check-up, so regular visits to your GP are important.

🧬 High cholesterol
Too much “bad” cholesterol can build up in your artery walls, forming plaques that increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Improving your diet and lifestyle can help lower cholesterol, and sometimes your doctor may also recommend medication.

🩺 Diabetes
If you live with diabetes, your risk of heart attack and stroke is higher—especially if your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed. Diabetes can also lead to other risks like high blood pressure and cholesterol problems. Following your treatment plan, eating well, and staying active can all help protect your heart.

🧠 Mental health
Depression, anxiety, and even social isolation can also affect your heart. Research shows that depression can raise your risk of heart disease as much as smoking or obesity. Looking after your mental wellbeing is an important part of caring for your heart.

Managing these conditions—together with your healthcare team—is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart disease.

If you’re concerned about how an existing health condition may be affecting your heart, please see your GP. If you’re over 45—or over 30 if you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian—and you haven’t previously been diagnosed with heart disease, ask your GP about an annual Heart Health Check.

Today marks the start of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Awareness Week in Australia — an important time to shine a light on th...
22/09/2025

Today marks the start of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Awareness Week in Australia — an important time to shine a light on this common but often under-recognised heart condition.

🫀 What You Should Know About Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation happens when the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat irregularly and often rapidly, disrupting normal blood flow. Around half a million people in Australia live with AF — but up to 30% may not even know they have it, as it can show no obvious symptoms. This matters because AF significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and even dementia.

🫀 Who Is At Risk?
AF becomes more common as you get older, affecting about 1 in 20 people over 55^. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, sleep apnoea, and living a sedentary lifestyle.

🫀 What You Can Do
Some people with AF have no symptoms. Others may notice palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, or chest discomfort. Smart watches and fitness trackers can sometimes pick up irregular rhythms, but they’re no substitute for medical advice.

If you’re over 45 — or over 30 if you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian — and you haven’t previously been diagnosed with heart disease, please see your GP for an annual Heart Health Check. It’s covered by Medicare once per year and can help identify risks early.

🫀 Why It Matters
Early detection and management of atrial fibrillation can be life-saving. If you’re concerned about your heart health or think you may be at risk, book a check-up with your GP. Your doctor can guide you on next steps and arrange further tests or specialist care if needed.

^ https://hearts4heart.org.au/event/atrial-fibrillation-awareness-week-18-24-september/

Lifting, Stairs, and Everyday Activities — What’s Safe After a Heart Attack?If you’ve recently had a heart attack, it’s ...
18/09/2025

Lifting, Stairs, and Everyday Activities — What’s Safe After a Heart Attack?

If you’ve recently had a heart attack, it’s natural to wonder what everyday activities are safe — especially climbing stairs, lifting, or getting back to the sports and hobbies you enjoy.

Here’s what you need to know:

🫀 Stairs
You can usually manage stairs slowly once you’re home. Just remember that climbing takes more effort than walking. Take your time, pause to rest if you need to, and build up gradually. Avoid carrying heavy items up or down until your doctor says it’s safe.

🫀 Lifting and resistance
Carrying heavy loads or lifting weights can put extra strain on your heart and blood pressure. Before starting any resistance-based exercise, talk to your doctor or cardiac rehab team. If you’re cleared, begin with very light items — such as canned food or small household objects — and increase very gradually. And remember: never hold your breath while lifting.

🫀 Sports and active hobbies
As your fitness and confidence return, you may be able to get back to activities like golf, bowls, swimming, or cycling. Always check with your doctor first, and steer clear of competitive or high-intensity sports unless you’ve been specifically cleared.

The key is to listen to your body, pace yourself, and get advice tailored to you. Everyone’s recovery journey is different.

At Sutherland Heart Clinic, we support patients every day through their recovery after interventional heart care. We encourage you to talk with your doctor before resuming physical activities, so your return to movement is safe, supported, and right for you.

Address

Level 3, Prince Of Wales Hospital
Randwick, NSW

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5pm
Friday 7:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+61293820700

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Eastern Heart Clinic posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Eastern Heart Clinic:

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category