Cardiology Clinic in Carrara, Gold Coast
Expert, Personalised Cardiac Care Right Here on the Gold Coast
Carrara Family Practice runs a cardiology clinic on site, giving Gold Coast patients access to cardiac assessment and investigation without travelling to a hospital outpatient department or separate specialist rooms.
The clinic is led by Dr Shahid Hafeez, a Cardiologist, working alongside the GP team at the practice. Consultations, investigations and follow-up are coordinated through the one practice, so your GP and your cardiologist are working from the same information.
A referral from a GP is required for all cardiology appointments and investigations. If you are already a patient here, your GP can arrange this during a standard appointment.
About Dr Shahid Hafeez
Dr Shahid Hafeez is a Cardiologist with more than 10 years of clinical experience across teaching hospitals in Adelaide and Brisbane.
His qualifications include Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP), Fellowship of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (FCSANZ), Fellowship of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC) and Fellowship of the American College of Cardiology (FACC).
His clinical interests include echocardiography, CT coronary angiography (CTCA), preventive cardiology, heart failure and the management of heart rhythm disorders.
Cardiology Services
Cardiology Consultation
A longer, structured appointment to review your cardiac symptoms, medical history, family history, medications and any previous investigations. The consultation covers cardiovascular risk assessment and, where appropriate, a plan for further investigation, medication review and follow-up with your GP.
Initial consultations are longer than review appointments. Please bring your referral, a current list of your medications, and copies of any recent results, including any echocardiogram, ECG or blood tests done elsewhere.
Echocardiogram (Echo)
An ultrasound scan of the heart that shows the heart chambers, valves and pumping function. It is painless, uses no radiation and involves no injections, and usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
You can eat and drink normally beforehand and take your usual medications unless you are told otherwise.
Commonly requested for the assessment of heart murmurs, breathlessness, suspected heart failure, valve conditions, and review after a cardiac event.
Stress Echocardiogram (Stress Echo)
An echocardiogram taken before and immediately after exercise, usually on a treadmill, to assess how the heart functions under exertion. The appointment takes longer than a standard echo.
Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. You will be given specific instructions when you book, as some medications may need to be withheld beforehand. Do not stop any medication without first speaking to your GP or Dr Hafeez.
Holter Monitor
A small portable device worn for 24 hours or longer that records your heart rhythm continuously while you go about your normal day. It is used to investigate palpitations, irregular heartbeat and episodes of dizziness or fainting, and to monitor known rhythm conditions such as atrial fibrillation.
You attend to have the monitor fitted, keep a short diary of any symptoms you notice, and return the device as arranged.
24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring
A monitor worn for 24 hours that records blood pressure at set intervals through the day and overnight. It gives a fuller picture than single readings taken in a clinic and helps confirm or rule out high blood pressure.
Medicare eligibility for this test is limited. A rebate is generally available only for people whose clinic blood pressure readings fall within a specific range and who have not yet started blood pressure medication, and it can be claimed once in any 12-month period. It also cannot be claimed in the same period as a Holter monitor. Our team will confirm your eligibility and any cost before the test is booked.
Conditions Assessed and Managed
The cardiology clinic provides assessment and ongoing management support for a range of heart and cardiovascular conditions, including:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol (dyslipidaemia)
- Valvular heart disease
- Cardiac changes associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity
Dr Hafeez also provides follow-up for patients recovering after a heart attack, a cardiac procedure or a cardiac hospital admission, and pre-operative cardiac assessment for patients preparing for elective surgery.
Symptoms Worth Having Assessed
A structured cardiology assessment can help clarify the cause of symptoms such as:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath on exertion
- Palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
- Unexplained dizziness or fainting
- Persistent swelling in the legs or ankles
Speak with your GP about a referral if you have noticed any of these.
If you are experiencing severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms of a possible cardiac emergency, call 000 immediately or attend your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for a clinic appointment.
Preventive Cardiology
A significant part of the clinic’s work is preventive: identifying and managing the risk factors that contribute to heart disease before problems develop or progress.
Dr Hafeez works with patients on the modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol, blood pressure, physical activity, smoking, weight and blood glucose control. Review appointments allow progress to be tracked, investigations reviewed and treatment plans adjusted over time, with your GP kept informed throughout.
The practice’s Lifestyle Clinic and Diabetes Clinic work alongside the cardiology clinic where relevant.
For general information on heart health, the Heart Foundation is a useful starting point.
Referrals
- A referral from a GP is required for a cardiology consultation and for cardiac investigations.
- If you are a patient at Carrara Family Practice, book a standard appointment with your GP to discuss a referral.
- If you have a referral from an external GP, bring it with you to your appointment.
- Bring a current medication list and any recent test results to your first consultation.
Fees and Billing
Fees for cardiology consultations and cardiac investigations depend on the service and your individual circumstances.
Our reception team will confirm the fee for your appointment, and any Medicare rebate that applies, before you book. The same applies to any investigation, which will be quoted before it is arranged.
A referral from a GP is required for a Medicare rebate on a cardiology consultation.
To ask about the fee for a specific service, call (07) 5594 4118.
Cardiology Clinic Hours
Dr Shahid Hafeez consults at Carrara Family Practice on scheduled clinic days, and cardiac investigations are performed by appointment. Call (07) 5594 4118 to find the next available appointment.
Practice reception is open Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 5:30pm, and Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. The practice is closed on weekends and public holidays.
Opening & Closing Times
We strive to make healthcare accessible and convenient for you
- Monday - Friday
- 8 AM - 5PM
Trust Your Heart to the Experts
Book Your Cardiology Appointment
To arrange a cardiology consultation or an investigation, call (07) 5594 4118 or speak with your GP about a referral.
Carrara Family Practice, 2 Alzino Place, Carrara QLD 4211.