Conditions and treatments | Sunshine Coast Cardiology

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Australia, with 45,600 deaths attributed to CVD in Australia in 2011.

Cardiovascular disease kills one Australian every 12 minutes. Below is a short list of commonly seen cardiac and related conditions and symptoms, with brief summaries, to reinforce and explain the information given to you by your doctor. The information provided is for general educational purposes only. Speak to Dr. Kypraios or your GP about your specific concerns.

Note that the content on this website is intended only as a guide, for educational purposes only, and as a service to our valued patients. It is never a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your GP or specialist regarding any medical questions about symptoms or medical conditions or treatments.

Alcohol and the heart

Alcohol is a drug that affects all parts of the body. It has important effects on the heart and influences your risk of developing heart disease.

Angina

Angina is a symptom of Ischaemic Heart Disease, as well as other conditions. Angina causes pain or discomfort that usually feels tight, gripping or squeezing.

Arrhythmias

The term Arrhythmia simply means ‘abnormal heart rhythm’, and encompasses a large number of medical conditions.

Athlete’s Heart

Athlete’s heart is the name given to a group of changes that occur to the heart in people who train at a high level.

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia presenting to a cardiologist. It effects nearly 1% of the population.

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is the medical term used for a group of chronic (“chronic” means persisting for a long time, or recurring) diseases of the heart muscle.

Congestive Cardiac Failure (CCF or Heart Failure)

The term, Congestive Cardiac Failure (CCF), is medical jargon, used to describe a group of symptoms and problems caused by a weakened heart muscle.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

In dilated cardiomyopathy, the underlying disease process causes increase in the size of the left ventricle or both ventricles, and a decrease in the pumping ability of the heart muscle.

Diseases of the aorta

The aorta is the large artery that leaves the heart and provides oxygen-rich blood to the rest of your body. When the aorta becomes abnormal, it widens, and becomes at risk of tearing.

Exercise for people with heart disease

There is good evidence that regular exercise helps to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. Physical inactivity almost doubles the risk of acquiring heart disease.