Angiography is used to identify blocked vessels throughout the body.

Information obtained from the scans helps determine the most appropriate form of treatment.

Cardiac surgery may be required if coronary artery disease is not able to be treated by stenting.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at our affiliated hospital, The Hills Private Hospital is designed to help patients who have experienced a cardiac event to get back on their feet and resume their normal daily activities with confidence.

The program aims to maximise physical, psychological and social recovery following a cardiac event. It provides participants with the tools to minimise the progression of cardiac illness by presenting information regarding maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, and aims to return individuals back to their normal daily activities.

Forfurther information, please call The Hills Private Hospital on (02) 9686 0454 or click here.

Coronary Angioplasty is the preferred treatment for clearing blockages in the arteries of the heart.

Norwest Private Hospital Cardiac Catheter Laboratory is available 24/7, providing state-of-the-art technology such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) systems to assist cardiologists in diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease.

Commonly, an expandable wire mesh tube, known as a stent, is placed in the artery where the blockage has been cleared to prevent a blockage from recurring and to provide structural support.

Blockages of blood vessels in the limbs, carotid arteries and other areas of the body can also be treated using the same technology.

The coronary care unit is specifically designed to provide highly specialised care to patients with acute cardiac illnesses or who are suspected to have heart problems.

Our world-class facilities include a GE critical care monitoring system and telemetry monitoring.

The consulting cardiologist manages all care with 24 hour support provided by experienced medical specialists.

A non-invasive ultrasound test used to assess the structure and function of the heart.

A non-invasive test to monitor heart rate and rhythm over a 24 hour period. Please allow 15 minutes to have the Holter monitor fitted. It needs to be returned 24 hours after the initial appointment.

A non-invasive ultrasound test to assess coronary arteries by imaging the heart function at rest and immediately after exercise on the treadmill.

A specialised test using an ultrasound probe placed in the oesophagus while under sedation, to provide detailed images in the heart.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a new procedure to replace the aortic valve in the heart. Unlike open heart surgery, there is no need to open the chest for TAVI but the procedure is still performed under anaesthetic.

Transcatheter means that a catheter (a small flexible and hollow tube) is used to place a new aortic valve in the heart. A small opening is made in an artery, then the catheter with the new valve is threaded into the correct position, replacing the valve.

Candidates for TAVI are screened by a multi-disciplinary 'Heart Valve Team' made up of a general cardiologist, an interventional cardiologist, a cardiothoracic surgeon, a cardiology anaesthetist, a radiologist, a vascular specialist and depending on circumstances an intensivist or a geriatrician. The team of specialists meet to discuss every individual case and recommend if TAVI will be an appropriate procedure or if an alternative treatment will provide the best outcome.

For consideration by the Norwest Heart Valve Team, a referral from a General Practitioner or Specialist is required. Please fax referrals to the Norwest Heart Valve Team on (02) 8883 8803.

Norwest Private Hospital is the only private hospital in North-Western Sydney that has an experienced heart team accredited to conduct TAVI procedures.

Information about TAVI is available in our "Deciding to have TAVI" brochure, here.

For further information, please call the TAVI Co-ordinator on (02) 8882 8802 or email norwest.heartteam@healthscope.com.au