Gemma A. Figtree is a cardiologist working at Royal North Shore Hospital in St. Leonards on the North Shore of NSW, Australia.
Cardiology can cover a lot, and her work is mostly about keeping the heart and blood vessels healthy. She looks after people with common heart conditions like coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and heart failure. At times, this also means helping patients manage long-term problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes, which can all affect the heart over time.
She also treats heart rhythm issues, including arrhythmias. These can make people feel faint, short of breath, or like their heart is racing or skipping beats. In more urgent situations, she helps with serious events such as acute coronary syndromes, where blood flow to the heart is reduced. She may also be involved in care for people who have had stroke and other conditions linked to the blood vessels.
For some patients, the heart muscle is the main issue. This can include cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and other causes of swelling or strain in the heart. At times, breathlessness and low energy can be part of the story, especially when conditions like pulmonary hypertension are present.
Her role also covers wider circulation problems, not just the heart. That includes peripheral artery disease, where the blood vessels in the legs and feet don’t get enough flow. She focuses on making sure the plan is practical, clear, and matches the patient’s overall health and goals.
In many cases, treatment involves careful assessment and then the next steps, which might include medicines and lifestyle support. When procedures are needed, cardiology care can include options such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to help open blocked arteries, and other hospital-based treatments depending on the situation.
Gemma A. Figtree works with a range of people, from those who are newly diagnosed through to patients managing ongoing heart disease. Cardiac care can feel scary, so she keeps things calm and grounded, and explains what’s happening in plain language. You’ll usually leave an appointment with a clearer idea of what to watch for and what happens next.
Overall, the focus is simple: support the heart, protect blood flow, and help people get the best possible outcomes, step by step.
