Cardiology

Chest Pain & Cardiology Clinic

The WiSE Chest Pain & Cardiology Clinic provides rapid access to specialist cardiac care – from the assessment of acute symptoms through to ongoing management and follow-up.

Across our Emergency Clinics and Specialist Hub, our integrated cardiology service allows patients to be assessed quickly, investigated thoroughly, and managed with continuity of care.

Our team brings together a range of cardiology subspecialties under one roof, ensuring timely diagnosis and coordinated treatment.

You should seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
  • Dizziness or fainting (syncope)
  • Unexplained fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance

If your symptoms are sudden or severe, please attend the nearest Emergency Department or call emergency services.

Cardiology Services

Rapid Access Cardiology Clinic

Our Rapid Access Cardiology Clinic is designed to provide timely specialist assessment for patients with suspected cardiac symptoms.

Patients can be seen by a consultant cardiologist within 48 business hours, with referrals accepted from GPs or directly from WiSE Emergency Clinics.

  • Chest pain
  • Syncope (fainting)
  • Palpitations

Consultant-led assessment supported by same-day, bulk-billed investigations where appropriate, including:

  • Echocardiography
  • Stress testing
  • CT coronary angiography (CTCA)
  • Cardiac pathology

This streamlined approach allows for rapid diagnosis and early management.

Pacemaker Clinic

The WiSE Pacemaker Clinic provides specialised follow-up care for patients with implanted cardiac devices, including pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).

Regular monitoring ensures your device continues to function effectively and is tailored to your current health needs.

During your appointment, the following may be performed:

  • Device interrogation
    Wireless communication with your device to download stored data
  • Device optimisation
    Adjustment of settings to support optimal heart rate and pacing
  • Battery monitoring
    Assessment of battery life and expected longevity
  • Lead function assessment
    Review of the leads connecting the device to your heart
  • Arrhythmia review
    Analysis of any abnormal rhythms recorded since your last visit
  • Remote monitoring review
    Review of data transmitted from your device between visits

Please contact the clinic directly to arrange an appointment.

Onsite Cardiac Investigations

We offer a comprehensive range of onsite investigations to support accurate diagnosis and ongoing cardiac care.

Resting Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound)

A resting echocardiogram (often called an “echo”) is a safe, painless ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart.

It allows your cardiologist to see:

  • The size and shape of your heart
  • How well your heart chambers and valves are working
  • The strength of your heart’s pumping function
  • Blood flow through the heart
  • Signs of previous heart damage or structural problems


This test does not use radiation.

You will lie on an examination bed. A trained cardiac sonographer places small sticky electrodes on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm, then applies a warm gel and gently moves a handheld probe (transducer) over your chest.

You may be asked to change position or briefly hold your breath to get clearer images. The test usually takes 30–45 minutes.

One of the Cardiologists at WiSE will then view the images and discuss the results with you.

Nil preparation required.

Before your appointment:

  • You can eat and drink normally
  • Take your usual medications unless your doctor tells you otherwise
  • Wear a two-piece outfit, as you will need to undress from the waist up
  • Avoid using lotions or oils on your chest on the day of the test, as they can interfere with the electrodes

You can return to normal activities straight after the test.

Stress Echocardiogram

A stress echocardiogram combines ultrasound imaging of the heart with “stress” on the heart through exercise. It helps your doctor assess how well your heart works under stress.

This test is commonly used to:

  • Investigate chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Detect narrowed or blocked coronary arteries
  • Assess known heart valve disease
  • Evaluate heart function after a heart event or procedure
  • Test the functional reserve of your cardiac system

There are two parts:

1. Resting Images
You will first have a standard resting echocardiogram.

2. Stress Phase
Your heart is then stressed via a treadmill. You will walk while your heart rate and blood pressure are monitored.

As soon as your heart reaches the target level of stress, you quickly lie back down and more ultrasound images are taken. The comparison between resting and stressed images helps identify areas of reduced blood flow.

The full test usually takes 35–45 minutes.

Preparation is important to ensure accurate results.

Food and drink

  • Do not eat for 2 hours before the test (small sips of water are usually fine)
  • Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, chocolate) for 12 hours before your appointment, unless told otherwise

Medications

Some heart medications (such as beta blockers) may affect the test.
Do not stop any medication unless your doctor or our clinic specifically tells you to.

Bring a list of your medications with you.

Clothing

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and loose clothing suitable for exercise
  • Avoid oils or lotions on your chest

Holter Monitor

A Holter monitor is a small, portable device that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity (ECG) over an extended period — typically 24 to 48 hours, and in some cases up to 14 days.

It is used to detect irregular heart rhythms that may not be captured during a standard ECG.

CT Coronary Angiogram (CTCA)

A CT Coronary Angiogram (CTCA) is a non-invasive imaging test used to assess the coronary arteries — the blood vessels that supply your heart.

It produces detailed 3D images to help identify narrowing or blockages.

  • You lie on a CT scanner
  • A contrast dye is injected into a vein in your arm
  • The scanner captures multiple X-ray images from different angles
  • These images are combined to create detailed 3D images of your coronary arteries

The scan typically takes between 15–30 minutes.

Specialists

Appointments & Referrals

Referrals are accepted from GPs, specialists, and WiSE Emergency Clinics.

To arrange an appointment or learn more about our services, please complete the booking form below and our friendly team will be in touch asap to complete your request.