Eastern Heart Clinic

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 wide 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 typically takes about 45 minutes. The machine can be noisy, so you’ll be able to communicate with your care team 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 Praveen Indraratna
Dr Indraratna is a clinical and imaging cardiologist with a special interest in cardiac imaging. You can read more about Dr Indraratna and his areas of expertise here: https://www.ehc.com.au/praveen-indraratna/

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.

Eastern Heart Clinic is one of Australia’s largest interventional cardiology hospitals, performing more than 5,500 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

🫀 Aortic Stenosis and TAVI: A Less Invasive Option for a Narrowed Heart Valve

If you’ve been told you have aortic stenosis — a narrowing of one of the main valves in your heart — your doctor may discuss a procedure called a TAVI. It stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, and it offers a less invasive option to replace a diseased heart valve without the need for open heart surgery.

In aortic stenosis, the valve flaps (called leaflets) become stiff or thickened, limiting how well the heart valve opens. This puts extra strain on the heart and can reduce the flow of oxygen-rich blood around the body. Over time, this can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness or fatigue, and increase the risk of heart failure if left untreated.

Traditionally, valve replacement involved open heart surgery — but with TAVI, cardiologists can insert the new valve through a small catheter placed in the artery at the top of the leg (groin).

The new valve is guided to the heart using advanced imaging, where it is gently expanded and placed inside the old valve. The old valve isn’t removed — it’s simply pushed aside, and the new valve takes over immediately.

Most TAVI procedures take around two hours and are performed under local anaesthetic. You’ll be admitted to the clinic on the morning of your procedure and will stay overnight for monitoring. Because the chest isn’t opened, recovery is typically faster and less physically demanding than traditional surgery.

At Eastern Heart Clinic, our interventional cardiologists work closely with patients and their referring doctors to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with aortic stenosis and would like to learn more about this procedure, speak with your GP or cardiologist.

You can also read more about the TAVI procedure here: https://www.ehc.com.au/trans-aortic-valve-implantation-tavi/

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 Praveen Indraratna

He’s a general cardiologist with advanced expertise in cardiac imaging, one of the most important tools in the diagnosis and management of heart disease.

Dr Indraratna holds the highest level of Australian qualifications in all three major types of cardiac imaging — ultrasound (echo), CT and MRI.

He performs trans-oesophageal echocardiograms and electrical cardioversions at Eastern Heart Clinic, and consults with patients at Wales Cardiology.

Dr Indraratna completed his cardiology training at Prince of Wales, Sutherland and St George Hospitals, followed by a prestigious fellowship in advanced cardiac imaging at St Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, Canada.

He also holds a PhD in Digital Health and has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed medical research articles.

He is the recipient of several national and international awards in clinical cardiology, research, and teaching, including the Heart Failure Research Prize and the NSW Cardiovascular Rising Star Award. He is a four-time winner of Clinical Teacher of the Year at UNSW, reflecting his commitment to the next generation of doctors.

Known for his thorough, respectful, and evidence-based approach to care, Dr Indraratna is a highly valued member of the cardiology team at Eastern Heart Clinic.

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 exercising for 30 minutes 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 Daniel Friedman is a procedural cardiologist at Eastern Heart Clinic who has a special interest in cardiac CT. He serves on cardiac CT clinical committees and leads advanced programs for cardiologists and radiologists. You can read more about Dr Friedman here: https://www.ehc.com.au/daniel-friedman/

21/06/2025

If you’re having a cardiac procedure at Eastern 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.ehc.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.

20/06/2025

Earlier this year, our team had the privilege of caring for Ernesto, a young man from Timor-Leste who travelled to Australia for a life-saving heart procedure through the Timor-Leste Hearts Fund.

We’re proud to support this important partnership, helping improve heart health for patients like Ernesto.

Thank you to Timor-Leste Hearts Fund for the kind shout-out — and for the extraordinary work you do.

Wishing Ernesto, his family, and the dedicated team at Timor-Leste Hearts Fund all the very best. 💙

As we approach the end of the Financial Year, we’re counting down our favourite moments from the last twelve months.

Number 7 — In August, 27-year-old Ernesto came to Australia’s Eastern Heart Clinic for a lifesaving procedure to treat severe rheumatic mitral stenosis and atrial fibrillation.

Breathing and walking were becoming difficult, and without treatment, his condition could have led to stroke or early death. Today, Ernesto is thriving back home in Timor-Leste.

Your support makes moments like this possible. Donate before 30 June to make a tax-deductible gift that saves lives.

17/06/2025

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

On these cold winter mornings, why not tuck into a bowl of warm 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

Did you know that around 1 in 4 people may have a small, naturally occurring hole in their heart? The “medical” name for this is a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO).

For most, it causes no issues and goes undetected. But for some, this condition can lead to symptoms or health risks that require treatment.

A PFO is a flap-like opening between the heart’s two upper chambers (the atria). It’s a normal part of fetal circulation that usually closes shortly after birth. In some people, it doesn’t close completely, allowing a small amount of blood to bypass the lungs — where it would normally be filtered — and flow directly into the body.

While many people live with a PFO without any symptoms, in some cases, it may contribute to:
• Stroke or mini-stroke (especially in younger patients without other risk factors)
• Migraine with aura
• Shortness of breath or fatigue during exertion
• Abnormal heart rhythms

If a cardiologist determines that your PFO should be closed, you may be referred for a PFO closure procedure — a minimally invasive, same-day treatment that seals the opening with a small device.

🫀 What to Expect on the Day

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with light sedation. You’ll be awake, but you won’t feel any pain.

A small incision is made in your groin to access a vein. A thin tube called a catheter is gently guided through your blood vessels to your heart. The closure device — which looks like a small umbrella or disc — is delivered through this catheter and positioned to seal the hole. Your cardiologist will use ultrasound and X-ray imaging to confirm correct placement.

The entire procedure usually takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Once complete, the device remains in place permanently. Over time, your body’s natural tissue grows over it, effectively closing the hole.

At Eastern Heart Clinic, most patients go home the same day after a period of rest and observation. Your cardiologist and care team will talk you through any activity restrictions and follow-up care before you leave.

You can read more about the procedure on our website here: https://www.ehc.com.au/pfo-closure/

10/06/2025

Meet Dr Sean Gomes, he’s a procedural cardiologist and valued member of our specialist team at Eastern Heart Clinic at Randwick.

Dr Gomes brings deep expertise in cardiac electrophysiology — the area of cardiology focused on diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders.

His clinical interests include catheter ablation, electrophysiology studies, and the implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators. He also has advanced skills in device lead extraction.

After completing his medical degree at the University of Sydney, Dr Gomes undertook cardiology training at Prince of Wales Hospital. He went on to pursue advanced subspecialty training in electrophysiology, completing fellowships at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital in the UK.

Dr Gomes holds a Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSci), Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), and a Master of Research (MRes). He is also a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP).

Dr Gomes is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care for people with complex cardiac rhythm conditions.

You can read more about our clinical team at Eastern Heart Clinic here: https://www.ehc.com.au/all-doctors/