Heart failure

Comprehensive care with compassion and expertise

At CHA, we combine a wide range of medical, surgical and allied health specialities, to provide an in-house multidisciplinary health care experience.

Living with breathlessness, swelling or persistent fatigue can make everyday activities feel much harder. If you’re concerned about these changes, a heart specialist can help you find out what’s happening and explain the care available to you.

Complete Health Australia provides thorough assessment and personalised treatment for heart failure, with ongoing support shaped around your health and daily life.

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What is heart failure?

Heart failure means the heart isn’t pumping blood around the body as effectively as it needs to. It doesn’t mean your heart has stopped working.

The condition can develop when the heart muscle weakens or if it becomes too stiff to fill properly. As a result, your organs and muscles may not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Fluid can also build up in the lungs, legs or other areas of the body.

Heart failure may affect the left side, right side or both sides of the heart. It can develop gradually over time or appear suddenly following heart damage.

Heart failure symptoms

The signs can be mild at first and may only become noticeable during physical activity. As the condition progresses, they can begin to affect you while resting.

Symptoms may include:

  • Shortness of breath during activity, when lying down or at night
  • Swelling around the ankles, feet, legs or abdomen
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Reduced ability to exercise or complete everyday tasks
  • A persistent cough, which may be worse when lying down
  • A fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Rapid weight gain caused by fluid build-up
  • Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
  • Difficulty concentrating or feeling confused

These changes can have several possible causes, so it’s important to seek medical advice rather than trying to diagnose them yourself.

Call triple zero (000) if you develop severe breathing difficulty, sudden chest pain or symptoms that are rapidly getting worse.

What causes heart failure?

Heart failure often develops after another condition has damaged the heart or made it work harder over time.

Possible causes include:

  • Coronary artery disease, where the arteries supplying the heart become narrowed
  • A previous heart attack that has damaged the heart muscle
  • High blood pressure that has placed ongoing strain on the heart
  • Cardiomyopathy, which affects the structure or function of the heart muscle
  • Heart valve disease that disrupts normal blood flow
  • An abnormal heart rhythm
  • A heart condition present from birth
  • Inflammation or infection affecting the heart muscle

Diabetes, kidney disease and some cancer treatments may also increase the likelihood of developing heart failure. In some cases, a single cause can’t be identified.

Diagnosing heart failure

Your cardiology specialist will ask about your symptoms, medical history and any changes you’ve noticed in your daily activities. They may listen to your heart and lungs, check for swelling and measure your blood pressure.

Tests can include:

  • Blood tests to look for signs of strain on the heart and check kidney function
  • An electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the heart’s electrical activity
  • An echocardiogram to assess how the heart pumps, relaxes and moves blood
  • A chest X-ray to check the heart and lungs
  • Heart rhythm monitoring to record your heartbeat over a longer period
  • Further imaging or coronary artery tests when more information is needed

Your results help confirm the diagnosis, identify its likely cause and show how heart failure is affecting your heart. Your cardiologist will talk you through the findings in clear terms.

Heart failure treatment

Treatment is tailored to the type of heart failure you have, its cause and the symptoms affecting you. The aim is to ease discomfort, protect your heart and reduce the chance of becoming unwell enough to need hospital care.

Your care may involve:

  • Medicines that support heart function, lower blood pressure or remove excess fluid
  • Treatment for the condition contributing to heart failure
  • Guidance on physical activity, fluid intake and eating habits
  • Cardiac rehabilitation to help you exercise safely and build confidence
  • Regular appointments to review symptoms, medicines and test results
  • A pacemaker or another implanted device for some heart rhythm or pumping problems
  • Surgery or a heart procedure when a structural problem needs treatment

Don’t stop taking prescribed medicine without speaking to your doctor. Your treatment may need to be adjusted over time as your symptoms and health needs change.

Discover expert care with Complete Health Australia

Heart failure care doesn’t end with a diagnosis. Our cardiologists take time to understand how the condition is affecting you, answer your questions and develop a plan that feels manageable.

From your first assessment to ongoing monitoring, you’ll receive clear guidance and coordinated support focused on helping you feel more confident about your heart health.

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Our experienced heart specialists provide careful assessment and ongoing care for people with suspected or diagnosed heart failure. They’ll explain your test results, discuss suitable treatment and work with you to manage the condition over the long term.

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Our approach

At CHA, we focus on early diagnosis, clear communication and evidence-based treatment.

Timely Access

We aim to provide rapid referral and appointment times so you don’t have to wait to be seen.

Comprehensive Assessment

Our specialists use the latest imaging and diagnostic tools to identify your condition quickly and accurately.

Collaborative Care

We work closely with GPs, hospitals and other specialists to coordinate every stage of your treatment.

Personalised Treatment

Each care plan is tailored to your specific condition, goals and long-term heart health.

Ongoing Support

We provide regular follow-up, education and lifestyle guidance to help you stay healthy and prevent future problems.

Patient Journey

Your path to better health starts here. From your first consultation to recovery, we’re with you every step.

Book & prepare

Easy booking & prep guides

See your specialist

Urgent appointments are available

Get diagnosed

Advanced testing & collaborative review

Start treatment

Integrated hospital & clinic care

Recover & support

Follow-up, allied health & lifestyle advice

Why choose Complete Health Australia

Experienced specialists
Our doctors are leaders in their fields.
Collaborative approach
We work closely with your GP and other healthcare professionals to ensure your care is co-ordinated, comprehensive and evidence based.
On-site diagnostic services
Selected cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal and gynaecological investigations can be performed at the clinic, helping streamline assessment and follow-up.
Modern, comfortable rooms
Purpose-designed consulting rooms to support private, unhurried conversations and thorough assessments.
Support to navigate the system
Our team can help with referrals, Medicare questions, and follow-up bookings.