Barbara M. Masser is a cardiologist based in Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Her work focuses on heart-related causes of fainting and feeling faint. This includes conditions like neurocardiogenic syncope, which is a common reason some people faint when they stand for too long, feel stressed, or get overheated. She also looks after families where fainting can run in the family, including familial neurocardiogenic syncope and familial dysautonomia.
In many cases, the heart problem is only part of the story. Some people also have ongoing issues with blood pressure and how their body responds to normal changes, like going from sitting to standing. Barbara helps sort through what’s going on so patients can get a clearer plan, not just a label. At times, that means talking through symptoms in detail and guiding the right next steps.
Barbara also manages broader medical situations that can affect the heart. For example, she looks at heart concerns after infections such as COVID-19, and she has experience dealing with cardiac issues linked to severe respiratory illness, including SARS. These situations can be tough, because symptoms don’t always show up in one obvious way straight away.
Another area she treats is hemochromatosis, a condition where too much iron builds up in the body. Too much iron can affect organs, including the heart. People with this diagnosis often need careful monitoring and practical guidance, especially when symptoms change or new health problems appear.
Barbara understands that heart symptoms can be scary. She aims to keep appointments calm and straightforward. Over time, she works with people to connect symptoms to likely causes, explain results in plain language, and support long-term follow up when needed.