At SmartCare Diagnostics, we provide advanced diagnostic services and reporting for heart conditions to support informed decisions about your care.
Heart conditions and cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. Early diagnosis can help guide treatment, manage risk and support better long-term health.
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease includes a variety of conditions that affect the heart’s structure and function. These conditions can disrupt the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to serious health issues. Heart conditions can include diseases of the blood vessels, heart rhythm problems, heart infections and congenital heart defects.
Common Types of Heart Conditions
Symptoms of Heart Disease
Heart diseases can present with a variety of symptoms and recognising them may help earlier diagnosis and treatment. At SmartCare Diagnostics, we are committed to helping you understand and identify the signs of different heart diseases.
Coronary Artery Disease
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath and/or exertional symptoms
- Fatigue
- Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back
- Numbing, weakening, coldness or pain in the legs or arms
Irregular Heartbeats
- Palpitations
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Shortness of breath and/or exertional symptoms
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fatigue
- Fainting
Congenital Heart Defects
- Bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails
- Rapid breathing, shortness of breath and/or exertional symptoms
- In infants: shortness of breath, poor feeding and weight gain
- Fatigue during exercise
- Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or areas around the eyes
Cardiomyopathy & Valvular Heart Disease
- Shortness of breath and/or exertional symptoms
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet or abdomen
- Chest pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeats
- Dizziness and fainting
Causes of Heart Diseases
Heart conditions can have a number of causes, depending on the type of heart condition. Common causes of heart disease include:
- Atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque in the arteries)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Obesity and being overweight
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Genetic predisposition
- Atherosclerosis (build-up of plaque in the arteries)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Heart valve issues
- Genetics
- Lifestyle factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking and/ or tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Chronic stress
- Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can increase the risk of heart disease.
Bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders
Appointment availability within 1 week and routine reports returned to your GP within 48 hours.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Age: Risk increases with age.
Gender: Men are gradually at higher risk, though women’s risk increases after menopause.
Family History: A family history of heart disease can increase risk.
Lifestyle Choices: Poor diet, lack of exercise and unhealthy habits contribute to heart disease.
Existing Health Conditions: Hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol are high-risk factors.
Diagnosing Heart Disease
To diagnose heart disease at SmartCare Diagnostics, we use a variety of advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess the heart’s condition and complete a thorough investigation.
Learn more about our Cardiac Diagnostic Services:
Treatment for Heart Disease
Consult with a GP or specialist regarding the management and treatment of heart disease. Treatment varies based on the specific diagnosis and severity. They may include:
Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol.
Medications: Managing symptoms and underlying conditions, like blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
Medical Procedures: Angioplasty, stent placement or surgery such as bypass surgery or valve repair/replacement.
Cardiac Rehabilitation: A program of exercise and education designed to improve heart health and quality of life.
When to See a Doctor for Heart Disease
Prioritise seeing a doctor if you experience any symptoms of heart disease, and especially if you have risk factors or a family history of heart conditions.
Please call 000 or go directly to your nearest emergency department if you think you may be having a heart attack, or if you experience severe chest pain or discomfort, sudden shortness of breath, fainting or near-fainting episodes, or rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Accessible diagnostic testing. Bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders.