Having a heart health expert who listens, understands, and offers straightforward guidance can make all the difference. Toowoomba heart specialist, Dr Anudeep (Anu) Gupta, is committed to delivering personalised, professional and comprehensive care.
Your heart is a powerful muscle responsible for pumping blood throughout your body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to your tissues while removing waste products. It beats continuously, working to keep your body functioning properly. The heart has four chambers that work together to move blood: the two upper chambers (atria) receive blood, and the two lower chambers (ventricles) pump it out.
When your heart works well, you may not think about it much. But when heart issues arise, it’s crucial to understand how your heart functions and what you can do to keep it healthy.
At HeartCare Toowoomba, we offer a wide range of cardiac services to diagnose, treat, and manage your heart condition. Each service is designed to provide you with the best possible care, whether you’re an inpatient or outpatient. Below is a brief overview of the services we provide:
In our clinic, we offer a variety of outpatient services, including consultations, ECGs, and Holter monitoring.
For patients who are unwell, we provide comprehensive inpatient care at St. Vincent’s Hospital Toowoomba, offering procedures such as coronary angioplasty, right heart catheterisations, and more.
A diagnostic test that uses imaging to view your coronary arteries and detect any blockages or narrowing.
Our dedicated team is here to guide you through every stage of your heart health journey, from diagnosis to treatment and ongoing care.
Heart conditions can affect anyone, but with the right care and lifestyle choices, many can be managed effectively. Below are some of the most common heart conditions:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
This is one of the most common heart conditions and occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the heart. It can lead to chest pain (angina) or heart attacks if left untreated.
Heart Failure
Heart failure happens when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. This condition can develop over time due to other heart issues, such as CAD or high blood pressure.
Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias refer to irregular heartbeats, whether too fast, too slow, or erratic. While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can cause significant health issues and require treatment.
Valvular Heart Disease
Valvular heart disease affects the heart valves, which may become narrowed or leaky, leading to impaired blood flow. Depending on the severity, this can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure forces your heart to work harder, which can weaken it over time. It is a major risk factor for heart disease and should be managed through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication.
High Cholesterol (Dyslipidemia)
Elevated levels of cholesterol in your blood can lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Keeping your cholesterol levels in check is essential for heart health.
A healthy lifestyle plays a crucial role in preventing and managing heart conditions. Here are two areas that can significantly impact your heart health:
Healthy Eating
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce your risk of heart disease. Aim to limit your intake of processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars. A heart-healthy diet helps maintain healthy blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall cardiovascular health.
Alcohol Recommendations
Moderation is key when it comes to alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which are both risk factors for heart conditions. The Heart Foundation recommends no more than two standard drinks per day, with some days alcohol-free.
If you’ve experienced a heart event, such as a heart attack or surgery, cardiac rehabilitation is an important part of your recovery. Cardiac rehab is a medically supervised program that helps improve your cardiovascular health. It typically includes:
Exercise Programs
Tailored to your abilities and recovery stage, these programs help strengthen your heart and improve your overall fitness.
Lifestyle Education
You’ll receive advice on managing your heart condition through healthy living, including diet, exercise, and stress management.
Emotional Support
Recovering from a heart event can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Cardiac rehab provides you with the tools and support to cope with these challenges, helping you return to your normal activities with confidence.
During your first consultation, your cardiologist will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any current medications. Prior to seeing the Doctor you will have your blood pressure, vital signs and ECG taken. You may undergo diagnostic tests, such as an echocardiograms, holter monitoring or other imaging tests, to assess your heart’s health. After the assessment, your cardiologist will explain the findings and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your condition.
Attend in comfortable, ideally two-piece clothing to make obtaining the ECG more convenient.
Please ensure you bring in a list of your current medication (including dosages) or the medication themselves.
If any further testing is required, your Dr Anu will give you detailed information before your test.
Coronary angiography is a test that uses dye and X-rays to examine the coronary arteries. It helps your cardiologist accurately determine if there are blockages or narrowing in your arteries. This test is typically recommended if you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, had an abnormal stress test or other tests that suggest coronary artery disease.
Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured program that helps you recover after a heart event, such as a heart attack or surgery. It includes supervised exercise, lifestyle education, and emotional support to improve your heart health and reduce the risk of future problems. It’s highly recommended for anyone recovering from a heart condition.
Yes, lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol are all important steps. Your cardiologist can guide you on specific changes tailored to your health needs.
When it comes to your heart health, you deserve a doctor who not only has the expertise but also takes the time to explain things in a way you can understand. Dr Anudeep (Anu) Gupta is known for his warm and approachable manner, ensuring that every patient feels heard and supported.
Dr Anu understands that navigating heart conditions can be overwhelming, and he believes in making the process as straightforward as possible for you. He takes the time to explain your diagnosis and treatment options in clear, simple terms, answering all your questions along the way. His goal is to ensure that you leave every consultation feeling informed and confident about the next steps in your care.
Patients often remark on Dr Anu’s genuine care and attention. Whether it’s a complex procedure or a routine consultation, you can trust that you’re in expert hands while receiving the personal touch that makes all the difference.
Dr Anu’s compassionate approach, combined with his advanced skills in interventional cardiology, ensures that you receive the highest quality care in a comfortable and reassuring environment. He’s here to walk beside you on your heart health journey, providing the support and clarity you need to make informed decisions about your health.
