Cardiac Amyloidosis Clinic
We care for and treat people with Cardiac Amyloidosis (stiff heart syndrome).
What we do
Amyloidosis refers to a group of rare diseases in which misfolded proteins can aggregate, deposit, and accumulate in different organs of the body. There are several different types of protein disorders that can cause amyloidosis, and some of these can particularly affect the heart. This can have the effect of causing thickening and stiffening of the heart muscle. These changes can contribute to symptoms of heart failure such as fluid accumulation and shortness of breath.
Who we care for
Diagnosis of amyloidosis can be challenging, and The Alfred's Cardiac Amyloid Clinic offers a comprehensive investigation and management service for people who have, or are suspected of having, cardiac amyloidosis.
What to expect
Our diagnostic services include advanced cardiac imaging such as echocardiography, nuclear medicine scintigraphy scans, and cardiac MRI. We also are highly experienced in obtaining samples of heart tissue with biopsy, which can sometimes be required.
Amyloidosis can affect many parts of the body and frequently requires input from many different specialists. We are a multidisciplinary team who work closely with our colleagues in other relevant specialities or health services as required, such as haematologists, nephrologists, or neurologists. Our clinicians are active in amyloid research and have access to the latest trials and therapies.
How to access this clinic
Referral from your GP
You need a referral letter from your GP or medical practitioner to access this service.
Your doctor will need to fax your referral letter to us. We will be in contact with you in clinically recommended times, depending on waiting list length. If there is no waiting list, you will receive an appointment booking letter or we will contact you to arrange a suitable time.
What to bring
Every time you come
- Medicare card
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
- Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
- Previous scan results (such as nuclear amyloid scans, cardiac MRI results, echocardiography) or any other blood test results or relevant reports
- Medicines you need to take while you are here
- List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
- Glasses, hearing aid(s) and/or walking frame if needed
For a clinic appointment
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- TAC or WorkCover claim number (if relevant)
Clinic times
Day | Campus | Time |
---|---|---|
Tuesday | The Alfred | 1:30pm - 5:00pm |
Wednesday | The Alfred | 9:00am - 12:30pm |
Clinic consultants
- A/Prof James Hare: Cardiology
- Dr Sarah Gutman: Cardiology
- Dr Caitlin Cheshire: Cardiology
- Dr Yusuke Sata: Cardiology (hypertension)