DR ZLRCardiology Inc · Hillcrest

Cardiology Services

Cardiology services.

Good cardiac care begins before a procedure is ever considered. It begins with listening, investigating and understanding the whole picture.Cardiology consultations and diagnostic tests take place at Dr ZLR Cardiology Inc, Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital in Assagay, in the Upper Highway area. Patients travelling from Pinetown, Westville or greater Durban attend this same practice; see the address and map directions.

Explore cardiology services

Consulting room at the practice

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Cardiology Consultations

A cardiology consultation to assess your symptoms, medical history and clinical context, and to discuss an appropriate plan. Assessment includes chest pain, hypertension, shortness of breath, arrhythmias, heart failure and cardiovascular risk.

Consultations are with Dr Zama Ramagaga, Cardiologist & Specialist Physician, at the Assagay practice.

You can discuss your symptoms and questions, review the findings and consider an appropriate care plan. Tests or procedures are recommended only where clinically indicated, not for every patient.

Ongoing cardiac care

Ongoing management of hypertension, arrhythmias and heart failure, alongside cardiovascular risk assessment, prevention and follow-up tailored to your care plan.

Preparing for a visit? See patient information.

Request an AppointmentWhat to expect at a consultation
Cardiac ultrasound imaging

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Cardiac Diagnostic Investigations

Transthoracic echocardiography (an echocardiogram) and exercise stress testing are available at the Busamed Hillcrest practice, where clinically appropriate.

Transthoracic Echocardiography

An ultrasound examination used to assess the structure and function of the heart. It may help investigate symptoms or assess how the heart muscle and valves are working. Images are obtained using a probe placed on the chest; the test does not use ionising radiation.

Echocardiogram: what to expect

Exercise Stress Testing

A monitored exercise assessment used to evaluate the heart’s response to physical exertion. Your heart rhythm and blood pressure are monitored during exercise. Suitability is assessed beforehand; tell the clinical team if you develop symptoms during the test.

Exercise stress test: what to expect

These tests answer different clinical questions and do not identify every heart condition. Dr Ramagaga discusses the results in the context of your symptoms and medical history, then explains any next steps. See appointment and test information.

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Coronary Angiography

An imaging procedure that uses contrast dye to show the arteries supplying the heart and assess narrowing or blockages. It may be recommended when further assessment of the coronary arteries is needed to guide treatment decisions.

A catheter is guided through a blood vessel and contrast dye is used with X-ray imaging. Potential risks include bleeding, a reaction to contrast dye and kidney problems; your individual risks and alternatives are discussed before consent.

The findings help guide the next step, which may be medical treatment or an intervention where appropriate. The practice confirms the procedure venue and preparation when arranging your care.

Coronary angiography informationRequest an Appointment
Stethoscope resting on a warm stone surface

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Interventional Cardiology and Related Procedures

Treatment options depend on the condition, investigation findings and your individual circumstances. Coronary interventions address narrowed arteries; TAVI treats a narrowed aortic valve, while a pacemaker helps regulate certain slow heart rhythms.

  • Coronary Stenting

    Placement of a small mesh tube in a narrowed coronary artery to help keep it open, where clinically indicated.

  • Bifurcation Interventions

    Treatment of narrowing where a coronary artery divides into two branches, following assessment of the affected arteries.

  • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

    A catheter-based procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve in suitable patients, after specialist assessment and discussion of treatment options.

  • Pacemaker Implantation

    Implantation of a device that helps regulate the heartbeat when certain slow heart rhythms require treatment.

Procedures have risks, including bleeding, infection or injury to blood vessels; the risks vary by procedure and patient. Dr Ramagaga discusses suitability, alternatives and consent with you. The practice confirms the venue, preparation and follow-up arrangements for your care.

Request an AppointmentPatient information

The aim is not simply to find an answer, but to understand what that answer means for the person living with it.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions, answered.

What happens at a cardiology consultation?

Dr Ramagaga reviews your symptoms, medical history and questions, then discusses an appropriate care plan. Tests or procedures are considered only where clinically indicated. Read about cardiology consultations.

What can an echocardiogram show?

This ultrasound test assesses the heart’s structure and function. It can help assess the heart muscle and valves, but does not identify every heart condition. The findings are considered alongside your symptoms and medical history. See echocardiography.

Why might exercise stress testing be recommended?

It assesses how your heart responds to physical exertion, with heart rhythm and blood pressure monitored during exercise. Suitability is assessed beforehand; it is not needed for every patient. Read about exercise stress testing.

Does coronary angiography mean I will need a stent?

Not necessarily. Angiography assesses the arteries supplying the heart. The findings help guide treatment, which may involve medicines or an intervention where appropriate. Dr Ramagaga discusses the options and individual risks with you. See coronary angiography and coronary stenting.

Are TAVI and pacemaker implantation the same treatment?

No. TAVI replaces a narrowed aortic valve in suitable patients. A pacemaker helps regulate the heartbeat when certain slow rhythms require treatment. Each is considered after specialist assessment. Read about TAVI and pacemaker implantation.

Where will my procedure take place, and how should I prepare?

Consultations and diagnostic tests take place at the Assagay practice. The practice confirms the venue and preparation for your particular procedure; do not assume it takes place in the consulting suite. See patient information or contact the practice.

Take the next step

Your heart deserves specialist attention.

Request an AppointmentCall 031 768 8507