Cardiac Care Queensland

22/05/2023

🎉👏 Congratulations to Dr Markham on an incredible milestone at Greenslopes Private Hospital! 🏥✨

Dr Markham has successfully performed the hospital's 400th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Dr Markham's exceptional skills, expertise, and dedication to improving the lives of his patients.

Dr Markham's commitment to providing innovative cardiac care and advancing minimally invasive procedures is truly inspiring. The TAVI procedure has revolutionized the treatment of aortic valve disease, offering new hope and improved outcomes for countless individuals. Each successful procedure brings us one step closer to a healthier and stronger community.

Many thanks to the entire medical team at Greenslopes Private Hospital. Their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and pushing the boundaries of medical innovation is truly commendable.

Please join me in congratulating this exceptional team on this significant achievement. Let's celebrate the positive impact they continues to make in the field of cardiology. 🙌👨‍⚕️🩺

12/05/2023

We love our mums! As we celebrate the amazing women in our lives, it's important to remember that heart disease is the leading cause of death among women.

Here are some tips to help prevent heart disease and keep your heart healthy:

Get regular check-ups: Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with your doctor and get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels checked.

Stay active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Walking, swimming, or cycling are great options.

Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of heart disease, so it's important to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, so quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart health.

Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to the development of heart disease, so make sure to manage your stress levels through activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

Remember, taking care of your heart is an ongoing process, but these simple steps can help reduce your risk of heart disease and keep your heart healthy. Wishing all the mums out there a happy and healthy Mother's Day!

12/05/2023

🌍 Happy International Nurses Day! 🏥

Today, we celebrate the incredible dedication, compassion, and expertise of nurses around the world. On this special occasion, let us take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to these extraordinary individuals who play a vital role in our healthcare systems.

Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, selflessly caring for patients with unwavering commitment and a nurturing spirit. They are the ones who tirelessly provide comfort, support, and medical assistance, often going above and beyond the call of duty. Their tireless efforts, day and night, are the reason countless lives have been saved and transformed.

Beyond their medical knowledge and technical skills, nurses possess an extraordinary ability to connect with patients on a human level. They are compassionate listeners, empathetic caregivers, and pillars of strength during challenging times. Whether it's offering a reassuring smile, holding a hand, or providing a shoulder to lean on, nurses have a unique way of making patients feel seen, heard, and cared for.

The past year and a half have highlighted the immense value of nurses in the face of the global pandemic. They have been at the forefront, courageously battling the virus, providing critical care, and offering comfort to those in need. Their resilience, bravery, and unwavering commitment have been nothing short of heroic.

On this International Nurses Day, let us acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices nurses make every day. Let us recognise their unyielding dedication to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. Their impact extends far beyond the confines of hospitals and clinics, reaching into the very fabric of society.

To all the nurses out there, thank you for your tireless efforts, your compassionate care, and your unwavering commitment. You are the true heroes among us, and we are forever grateful for everything you do. Today and every day, we celebrate you and the invaluable contributions you make to our lives.

Happy International Nurses Day! 🌟👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

11/05/2023

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 Regardless of how you feel about the new Australian Federal Budget, there's a reason to celebrate together: Medicare Heart Health Checks have been extended for an additional two years! 🎉

Take a moment to appreciate the significance of this extension. A Heart Health Check is a simple, 20-minute evaluation that assesses your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. It's a valuable opportunity to prioritise your well-being and ensure a healthy future.

No matter our opinions on budget decisions, we can all agree that the extension of Heart Health Checks is a step in the right direction. This initiative emphasizes the importance of proactive healthcare and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their heart health.

By taking advantage of this check-up, you can gain crucial insights into your cardiovascular health. Identifying potential risks early on allows for preventive measures that can make a world of difference in your well-being. Remember, prevention is key, and a little time invested now can lead to a lifetime of heart health.

Let's appreciate the effort put into extending Heart Health Checks, recognizing the positive impact it can have on countless lives. Share this news with your loved ones and encourage them to prioritize their heart health as well. Together, we can create a community of individuals who are proactive about their well-being.

Stay heart-smart, stay informed, and embrace the opportunity to prioritize your cardiovascular health. ❤️🫀

10/05/2023

Did you know? Heart disease affects 700,000 women a year?*

The impact of Heart Disease is greater in women, with higher rates of hospitalisation and mortality compared to men. Women are more likely than men to experience atypical symptoms of heart disease, which can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging. Women are also more likely to develop heart disease later in life, often after menopause.

There are several tips specifically for women to help prevent heart disease, including:

Know your risk: Women have some unique risk factors for heart disease, such as hormonal changes during menopause, pregnancy complications, and autoimmune diseases. Talk to your healthcare provider to understand your individual risk and take steps to lower it.

Focus on nutrition: Eating a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources can help prevent heart disease. Pay attention to portion sizes and aim to eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods.

Consider hormone therapy carefully: Hormone therapy can help manage some symptoms of menopause, but it may increase the risk of heart disease in some women. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy for your individual situation.

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heart disease: Women often experience different symptoms of heart disease than men, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, back or jaw pain, and unexplained fatigue. Be aware of these symptoms and seek medical attention if you experience them.

Prioritise self-care: Women are often caregivers for others, but it's important to prioritise self-care to reduce stress and maintain good health. This can include getting enough sleep, practicing relaxation techniques, and engaging in regular physical activity.
By following these tips, women can reduce their risk of heart disease and maintain good heart health. It's important to work with your healthcare provider to develop an individualised plan to prevent heart disease based on your unique risk factors and health status.

*According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data from 2017-2018, coronary heart disease (CHD) affected around 700,000 Australian adults aged 18 and over, with slightly higher prevalence in men (6.7%) compared to women (5.9%).

21/04/2023

Have you heard about Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)? It's a minimally invasive procedure that is revolutionizing the way we treat aortic valve disease.

Instead of traditional open-heart surgery, TAVI involves inserting a replacement valve through a small incision in the leg or chest and guiding it to the heart using a catheter. This means less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery time for patients.

TAVI is particularly beneficial for older patients or those who may not be suitable candidates for traditional surgery due to underlying health conditions. It has also been shown to have lower rates of complications and mortality compared to open-heart surgery.

As part of his Structural Interventional Cardiology fellowship at Stanford University Medical Center, Dr Markham received formal TAVI training that is above and beyond what many other programs offer. This specialised training has given him the skills and expertise to perform TAVI procedures with the highest level of precision and care.

If you or someone you know needs TAVI treatment, rest assured that Dr Markham is one of the best in the field. His expertise and training make him a top choice for patients seeking the best possible care, with outcomes surpassing international trial data.

21/04/2023

Did you know?

- Heart disease, including heart attacks, is the leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for over 18% of all deaths.

- Each year, around 55,000 Australians have a heart attack, which is equivalent to one heart attack every 10 minutes.

- Heart attacks are more common in men than women, with men being twice as likely to have a heart attack than women.

-Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and a family history of heart disease are all major risk factors for heart attacks.

- Symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating. However, not all heart attacks present with these symptoms, and some people may experience no symptoms at all.

It's important to be aware of the risk factors for heart attacks and to take steps to reduce your risk, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, and managing any underlying health conditions.

Dr Markham has performed over 2000 percutaneous coronary interventions, a minimally invasive procedure that can prevent heart attacks. Dr Markham's vast experience and expertise in this field have made a significant impact on the lives of countless patients.

20/04/2023

Dr Markham met with Hope For Hearts a few years ago to share what sparked his passion for Interventional Cardiology, and how it aligns with his interests in research, innovation, biodesign, and AI.
Discover the incredible possibilities that lie at the intersection of medicine and technology, and how the future of cardiovascular care is being shaped!

20/04/2023

Hope For Hearts is an invaluable online resource for anyone
seeking comprehensive and up-to-date information on all aspects of heart health. With a team of expert cardiologists sharing the latest in their field, this platform offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise on everything from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and management of heart conditions.

Whether you're a patient, general practitioner, cardiologist, or cardiac surgeon, Hope For Hearts has something to offer. With detailed, easy-to-understand articles, informative videos, and helpful resources, this platform is an essential tool for anyone looking to learn more about cardiac health.

From the latest research and breakthroughs to practical tips for managing heart disease, Hope For Hearts is a go-to resource for anyone seeking reliable, trustworthy information on this vital organ. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for helping people live healthier lives, Hope For Hearts is a true leader in the field of cardiac health.

Check out Hope For Hearts page or their website www.hopeforhearts.com.au

20/04/2023

Meet Dr Markham, Interventional Cardiologist and Director of Cardiac Care Queensland.

Dr Ryan Markham is an accomplished interventional cardiologist with specialist training in both coronary and structural interventions. He is highly regarded in the medical field for his exceptional procedural outcomes, which exceed international trial data.

Dr Markham completed his medical training in Australia before being invited to complete a prestigious fellowship at Stanford University Medical Center in California. During his time at Stanford, he gained invaluable experience and expertise in the latest technological advancements and medical innovations. Dr Markham's keen interest in innovation extends to areas such as AI and biodesign, which he believes will play an increasingly important role in the future of medicine.

In addition to his medical qualifications and training, Dr Markham completed the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign course while at Stanford to further his knowledge and understanding of this field. This has allowed him to gain a unique perspective on the intersection between medicine, technology, and design.

Dr Markham is highly committed to providing his patients with the best possible care and has a compassionate and patient-centred approach to his work. He is known for his ability to communicate complex medical information in a clear and understandable manner, ensuring that his patients feel fully informed and supported throughout their treatment.

Visit our website at www.ccq.com.au to contact us or for more information about Dr Markham's practice locations, experience and affiliations.

19/04/2023

Join us in raising awareness this Heart Week about the impact of heart disease on Australians. Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia? Let's work together to prioritise heart health and reduce the risk of this preventable disease.
www.heartfoundation.org.au

19/04/2023