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Cardiac Symptoms and Conditions

Understanding Heart Health

The heart is the engine of the body—responsible for pumping blood, delivering oxygen, and supporting every major organ. When the heart is affected by disease or structural abnormalities, it can lead to symptoms that range from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies.

As a highly trained specialist in cardiac and thoracic surgery, Mr Adrian Pick offers advanced surgical solutions for a wide range of heart conditions. Based in Melbourne, he works closely with referring cardiologists and GPs to deliver expert care with a personalised approach.

Common Cardiac Symptoms

Heart-related conditions can present in many ways. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms—particularly if they are new, persistent, or worsening—it’s important to seek medical attention:

  • Chest pain or discomfort: Often described as pressure, tightness, burning, or aching. May indicate angina or an impending heart attack.
  • Shortness of breath: Can be a sign of heart failure or valve disease, especially if it occurs at rest or when lying down.
  • Palpitations: A fluttering, racing, or irregular heartbeat, which may signal an arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation.
  • Fatigue or weakness: Often due to reduced cardiac output or poor circulation.
  • Dizziness or fainting (syncope): Can result from abnormal heart rhythms or reduced blood flow.
  • Swelling in the legs or abdomen (oedema): A common symptom of congestive heart failure.
  • Cyanosis (bluish lips or fingers): Indicates inadequate oxygenation of the blood, often due to congenital or advanced heart disease.

Conditions Treated by Mr Adrian Pick

Mr Pick manages a wide range of heart conditions requiring surgical evaluation and treatment, including:

  1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

CAD is caused by a build-up of plaque in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle. It can lead to angina or heart attacks. Mr Pick performs coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to restore blood flow in patients with severe disease.

  1. Heart Valve Disease

Valves may become narrowed (stenosis) or leaky (regurgitation), affecting the heart’s ability to pump efficiently. Surgical options include valve repair or valve replacement (aortic, mitral, or tricuspid).

  1. Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

A common cardiac arrhythmia, AF increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. Mr Pick offers surgical treatments for AF, including the Maze procedure, particularly when performed alongside other cardiac surgeries.

  1. Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection

These life-threatening conditions involve weakening of the aorta, the main artery leaving the heart. Mr Pick offers surgical repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms and emergency treatment for dissections.

  1. Congenital Heart Conditions (in Adults)

Some patients reach adulthood with congenital heart abnormalities such as atrial septal defects (ASD) or patent foramen ovale (PFO) that may require surgical closure.

  1. Heart Failure

When the heart can’t pump effectively, surgery may be required to correct underlying causes such as valve dysfunction or blocked arteries.

  1. Infective Endocarditis

A severe infection of the heart valves or inner lining. Urgent surgery may be needed to remove infected tissue and replace damaged valves.

Surgical Expertise and Techniques

As a leading Melbourne-based cardiac and thoracic surgeon, Mr Adrian Pick is experienced in the full range of heart procedures, including:

  • Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG)
  • Aortic and mitral valve repair or replacement
  • Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation
  • Thoracic aortic aneurysm repair
  • Minimally invasive and sternotomy-based approaches
  • Redo cardiac surgery for patients with previous operations

All procedures are carefully planned and performed in accredited Melbourne hospitals, with the support of a multidisciplinary cardiac team.

When to See a Cardiac Surgeon

You may be referred to a cardiac surgeon like Mr Adrian Pick if:

  • Your cardiologist has diagnosed a condition that may benefit from surgical intervention.
  • You have symptoms of valve disease, severe coronary artery disease, or heart failure.
  • You require treatment for a thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection.
  • You need surgical evaluation for rhythm disturbances like atrial fibrillation.
  • You have recurrent or worsening symptoms despite medical management.

Expert Cardiac Care in Melbourne

Mr Adrian Pick works closely with patients and their healthcare teams to provide the highest standard of surgical care. Whether you’re facing a new diagnosis or exploring surgical options after medical treatment, Mr Pick offers clear guidance and expert intervention tailored to your needs.

Book a Consultation

If you have concerns about your heart health or have been advised to consult a cardiac surgeon, Mr Adrian Pick is available for consultation in Melbourne. Contact our practice today to schedule an appointment or request a referral from your GP or cardiologist.

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