At Cardiac Care Queensland (CCQ), we provide a range of cardiology services aimed at diagnosing, managing, and treating various heart conditions. Led by Dr Ryan Markham, an interventional cardiologist, our team is committed to delivering high-quality care at both our Spring Hill and Greenslopes locations. Treatment options are developed in close collaboration with referring GPs and patients, ensuring a personalised and informed approach to cardiac care.
Cardiology encompasses the evaluation and management of various heart-related conditions. Common issues such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath (dyspnea), and elevated calcium scores may signal underlying heart concerns that require careful assessment. Early diagnosis and management are key to maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing progression to more serious conditions.
At CCQ, we use diagnostic tools like heart stress tests to evaluate heart function under physical exertion. These results guide our development of personalised care plans to address each patient’s specific needs and symptoms.
Coronary artery disease (CAD), or ischaemic heart disease, occurs when the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, often due to plaque build-up. This condition can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, or even heart attacks if left untreated.
Our diagnostic approach includes coronary angiography (angiogram) to assess blood flow and stress testing to evaluate heart performance. Depending on the findings, treatments such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may be recommended to restore proper blood flow.
Aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve narrows, reducing blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or fainting and may lead to serious complications without intervention.
We provide comprehensive evaluation and management, offering advanced treatment options like transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for eligible patients. This minimally invasive procedure aims to improve blood flow and reduce recovery times for eligible patients.
Structural heart disease refers to abnormalities in the heart’s valves, walls, or chambers that can affect blood flow and overall heart function. Conditions such as mitral valve regurgitation, patent foramen ovale (PFO), atrial septal defects (ASD), and valvular heart disease can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and other complications.
Our team provides tailored treatments to address these conditions. Options may include catheter-based or surgical interventions to improve heart function and support long-term cardiovascular health.
Stress testing helps assess how well your heart performs under physical exertion. This test is commonly used to identify potential heart conditions that might not be apparent when you are at rest. During the test, we monitor your heart’s response to exercise, such as walking on a treadmill, or sometimes by using medication to simulate physical stress. The results may provide valuable insights into how your heart functions during increased activity, helping us detect issues like coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, or reduced blood flow.
Echocardiography, or an “echo,” is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of your heart’s structure and function. This test allows us to evaluate your heart’s chambers, valves, and blood flow, helping detect issues such as heart valve disease, heart failure, or congenital heart defects. By visualising how well your heart is pumping blood and if any areas of concern are present, we can develop a tailored care plan to address any identified conditions. Our goal with echocardiography is to provide a comprehensive understanding of your heart health and discuss suitable treatment options.
A Holter monitor is a small, portable device that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity over 24 to 48 hours. This test is often used to detect irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or unexplained symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, or fainting. By wearing the monitor during your daily activities, we can capture a complete picture of your heart’s behaviour in real-world conditions, helping us assess potential abnormalities that might not be detected during a standard in-office visit. Once we have the results, we’ll work with you to address any findings and determine the next steps for your heart health.
A CT coronary angiogram is a highly advanced, non-invasive imaging test that uses CT scans to create detailed images of your coronary arteries. This test is particularly useful for identifying blockages or narrowing in the arteries that supply blood to your heart, which could increase your risk of a heart attack. It’s a quick and often effective way to assess the health of your arteries and help determine if further treatments or interventions are necessary. With a CT coronary angiogram, we can provide a clear, comprehensive view of your cardiovascular health and work with you to develop an appropriate care plan.
To find out more about our services or to arrange a consultation, fill out our patient contact form or contact us directly.
Referrals from general practitioners are welcome, and our team is available to assist with any questions about the referral process.
Dr Ryan Markham is an interventional cardiologist who specialises in the management of ischaemic and valvular heart disease.
Dr Ryan Markham consults from 2 different locations.