Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy

Specialist Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy Care

Shore Cardiology provides comprehensive assessment and management of heart failure and cardiomyopathy from Northern Beaches Hospital in Frenchs Forest and Sydney Adventist Hospital in Wahroonga.

Heart failure and cardiomyopathy are complex conditions that require accurate diagnosis, careful monitoring and individualised treatment. Advances in cardiovascular medicine have significantly improved outcomes, allowing many patients to lead active and fulfilling lives with appropriate management.

Our cardiologists utilise advanced cardiac imaging and evidence-based therapies to diagnose the underlying cause of heart muscle disease, optimise treatment and reduce the risk of hospitalisation and cardiovascular complications.

What Is Heart Failure?

Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs.

This does not mean the heart has stopped working. Rather, it indicates that the heart muscle is weakened, stiffened or unable to fill and pump effectively.

Common symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fatigue

  • Reduced exercise capacity

  • Swollen ankles or legs

  • Fluid retention

  • Persistent cough

  • Difficulty lying flat

Symptoms may develop gradually over time or occur more suddenly.

Causes of Heart Failure

Heart failure can result from many underlying cardiac conditions, including:

  • Coronary artery disease

  • Previous heart attack

  • Hypertension

  • Heart valve disease

  • Cardiomyopathy

  • Atrial fibrillation

  • Inherited heart conditions

  • Myocarditis

  • Cardiac amyloidosis

Identifying the underlying cause is an essential part of treatment planning.

What Is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases affecting the heart muscle.

These conditions may impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively and can sometimes increase the risk of arrhythmias or sudden cardiac events.

Cardiomyopathy may be inherited or acquired and often requires specialist assessment.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterised by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle.

It is one of the most common inherited heart conditions and may occur in multiple family members.

Patients may experience:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chest discomfort

  • Palpitations

  • Dizziness

  • Syncope

We provide comprehensive assessment including family screening, advanced cardiac imaging and long-term surveillance.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened.

Potential causes include:

  • Genetic conditions

  • Viral myocarditis

  • Alcohol-related heart disease

  • Chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction

  • Idiopathic cardiomyopathy

Management focuses on identifying the cause, improving symptoms and preventing disease progression.

Cardiac Amyloidosis

Cardiac amyloidosis is an increasingly recognised cause of heart failure, particularly in older adults.

The condition occurs when abnormal proteins accumulate within the heart muscle, resulting in stiffening of the heart and progressive symptoms.

Early diagnosis is important as effective treatment options are now available.

Our cardiologists have expertise in the investigation of suspected cardiac amyloidosis using advanced imaging techniques including Cardiac MRI and nuclear imaging where appropriate.

Advanced Cardiac Imaging

Accurate diagnosis often requires detailed assessment of cardiac structure and function.

Investigations may include:

  • Echocardiography

  • Stress echocardiography

  • Cardiac MRI

  • CT Coronary Angiography

  • Holter monitoring

  • Blood pressure monitoring

Advanced imaging helps determine the cause of heart failure, assess disease severity and guide treatment decisions.

Modern Heart Failure Treatment

The management of heart failure has evolved considerably in recent years.

Treatment may include:

  • Optimisation of medical therapy

  • Blood pressure control

  • Management of coronary artery disease

  • Treatment of arrhythmias

  • Lifestyle modification

  • Device therapy when appropriate

The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms, enhance quality of life and reduce the risk of hospital admission.

Family Screening and Inherited Heart Disease

Some cardiomyopathies have a genetic basis and may affect multiple family members.

We provide assessment and guidance regarding:

  • Family screening

  • Inherited cardiomyopathies

  • Genetic testing pathways

  • Long-term surveillance strategies

Early identification can assist with risk reduction and preventative management.

Why Choose Shore Cardiology?

  • Expertise in heart failure management

  • Advanced Cardiac MRI and imaging experience

  • Interest in inherited heart disease and cardiomyopathy

  • Comprehensive diagnostic assessment

  • Evidence-based treatment strategies

  • Convenient locations at Northern Beaches Hospital and Sydney Adventist Hospital

  • Collaborative approach with referring doctors and specialist services

Referrals

Referrals from general practitioners, specialists and hospital clinicians are welcome.

We provide assessment for newly diagnosed heart failure, cardiomyopathy, suspected cardiac amyloidosis, inherited heart disease and patients seeking specialist review of established cardiac conditions.

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