ABOUT
Dr Annari van Rensburg is a compassionate cardiologist who practises from Netcare Blaauwberg based in Sunningdale, Cape Town. Dr van Rensburg performs cardiac catheterisation, angiography and stenting to resolve heart disease. Cardiac resynchronisation therapy, the surgical insertion of medical devices (pacemakers & loop recorders) and diagnostic evaluation (stress tests & ECG Holter monitoring) are the doctor’s primary services.
Dr Annari van Rensburg graduated with an MBChB cum laude from Stellenbosch University and attained her qualification as a Specialist Physician at the College of Physicians of South Africa: CP (CMSA). It was when Dr van Rensburg chose to specialise in cardiology that she won the Helen Suzman medal for the best candidate in her theoretical and practical exams. "Bicuspid aortic valves" was the subject of the doctor's thesis when she completed her Master's degree cum laude. EuroPCR is an international cardiovascular specialist event where Dr van Rensburg has presented in Switzerland and Mauritius.
Services includes :
- Implantable cardioverted-defibrillator
An implantable cardioverted-defibrillator (ICD) is a mechanical device with a limited battery life that's implanted under the skin. ICD measures heart rate and prevents cardiac arrest, atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. If the heart beats rapidly, the device transmits an electric shock to restore a regular heartbeat. The battery-operated device that's similar to the size of a pocket watch is inserted in a pouch. The device rests below the surface of the skin in the neck or stomach region. The cardiologist attaches the wires of the generator to the heart. - Cardiac resynchronisation therapy
Patients who have heart arrhythmia are ideal candidates for cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT). Resynchronising the heart muscle involves retuning it to improve blood circulation and heart rate. The cardiologist inserts a small pacemaker at the base of the collarbone. Three primary wires run from the monitor to the heart muscle. The device picks up irregularities and sends electric signals to the heart. These electric signals retune the heart and stimulate a normal heartbeat. Cardiac resynchronisation therapy alleviates symptoms of heart failure and improves blood circulation. - Coronary angiography and stenting
Coronary artery disease arises from the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries. Chest tightness, or what’s known as angina, is a common sign of coronary artery disease. Dr van Rensburg performs coronary angiography together with stenting to unclog blocked arteries and dilate blood vessels. Through the use of x-ray imaging technology, the cardiologist inserts and threads a catheter to the heart and arteries. A dye is injected into the catheter and is visible on the x-ray. As the dye travels through the blood vessels, the cardiologist can view blockages. If Dr van Rensburg notices any blockages, she inserts a stent to widen and open up the narrow artery. - Pacemaker insertion
A pacemaker is a battery-operated medical device that's inserted under the skin to monitor heart rate. A pacemaker consists of two parts: the generator that holds the battery and wires that are connected to the heart. When the heart beats too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia), the body doesn't receive an adequate supply of blood. Fatigue, difficulty breathing and dizzy spells are signs of an irregular heartbeat. A pacemaker transmits electrical signals to the heart. These electrical signals prompt the heart to contract and alleviate symptoms of arrhythmia. The cardiologist analyses the results from the pacemaker to track the patient's heartbeat and monitors his or her progress. - Loop recorder insertion
A loop recorder is a medical device that's implanted under the surface of the skin in the chest area and is used to monitor heart rhythm. This medical device lasts for up to three years and captures data that other implantable systems fail to detect. The procedure takes twenty minutes and is performed under local anaesthetic. The cardiologist cuts into the chest area and inserts the small device beneath the skin. Daily tasks can be resumed as the loop recorder, similar to an electrocardiogram monitors heart arrhythmia. The results from the device are sent to the cardiologist for analysis. Routine check-ups, while the loop recorder remains in the body, are required. - Transthoracic echocardiogram
A transthoracic echocardiogram is a non-invasive ultrasound of the heart. A transthoracic echocardiogram utilises soundwaves to capture live images of the heart. Patients who suffered a stroke are ideal candidates for this procedure. The cardiologist conducts a transthoracic echocardiogram to diagnose the cause of stroke. This test is also used to check for heart defects as well as heart valve malfunction. The patient will be asked to lie on his or her side for the procedure. Electrodes attached to the patient's chest measures the electrical activity of his or her heart. The transducer placed on the patient's chest moves as he or she breathes in and out. As this exercise is in progress, soundwaves hit against the heart muscle. The reflected soundwaves capture images of the heart. The cardiologist uses these pictures and sounds to assess the patient's heart health - Transoesophageal echocardiogram
A transesophageal echocardiogram that's also known as "TEE" is a diagnostic test. TEE captures images of the heart. TEE, similar to a transthoracic echocardiogram utilises soundwaves to create pictures of the heart. TEE is invasive and is conducted to assess heart health adequately. The cardiologist sprays the throat with anaesthetic and inserts a bendable tube with an ultrasound tip into the oesophagus. The transducer emits sounds that are reflected and used to capture detailed images of the heart. These comprehensive pictures are sent to a television screen in the operative room. The patient can't drive after the procedure, and he or she has to remain in the recovery room until the anaesthetic wears off. - Stress echocardiogram
A stress echocardiogram is referred to as a "stress test." A stress echocardiogram is conducted to evaluate the condition of the heart muscle and blood vessels. Dr van Rensburg performs an echocardiogram and incorporates exercise to provoke the heart muscle and its blood vessels. The cardiologist introduces exercises to increase the patient’s heart rate and performs an ultrasound to check whether the heart has an adequate supply of oxygen and blood. During the consultation, Dr van Rensburg will discuss the results of the echocardiogram and decide on a suitable treatment plan. - Stress electrocardiogram
A stress electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the heart's electrical activity in response to exercise. While the patient runs on the treadmill or exercises on a stationary bike, the ECG measures his or her heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, the intensity of the exercises increases and this puts significant strain on the heart muscle. Dr van Rensburg performs an ECG to diagnose the cause of angina that could be related to coronary artery disease. If the patient already has coronary artery disease, the cardiologist conducts an ECG to check the severity of his or her illness. Dr van Rensburg records the results that were obtained during the test and discusses this with her patient. - Holter monitor
A Holter monitor that's called "ambulatory electrocardiography" is a portable device that records heart rate and picks up heart arrhythmia. The Holter monitor is a continuous twenty-four test that measures the electrical activity of the heart while the patient performs his or her routine tasks. This test is, in some cases, more effective than an ECG as it records the patient’s heart rate, rhythm and detects chest pain. The Holter monitor test is non-invasive and only requires a few ECG stickers that are attached to the chest. The cardiologist places the monitor in a pouch. The patient wears this pouch and performs his or her daily activities. At least 24-48 hours after the patient has worn the Holter monitor, Dr van Rensburg evaluates the data from the device.
