Advanced Heart Care
When It Matters Most.

An echocardiogram — also called a cardiac ultrasound — uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of your heart. It shows the size and shape of the heart, how well the chambers and valves are functioning, and whether the heart muscle is contracting normally. The procedure is completely painless and non-invasive: a small handheld probe is placed on your chest with a little gel, and Dr Gonçalves reviews the images immediately. It is performed at The Joburg Heart Imaging Centre and typically takes 30–45 minutes.

While a GP referral is not strictly required to book a private consultation with a specialist cardiologist, most medical aids in South Africa require a referral letter to authorise specialist visits and cover the cost. A referral also helps Dr Gonçalves understand your medical history before your appointment. We strongly recommend obtaining a referral from your GP or physician prior to your consultation to avoid out-of-pocket costs and to ensure the most focused care. If you are unsure, contact our rooms on +27 (0)11 462 5113 before booking.

Dr Gonçalves sees patients at Netcare Olivedale Hospital in Randburg and Glynwood Hospital in Benoni, both of which are accredited private facilities. The practice accepts most major South African medical aids, though benefit levels and pre-authorisation requirements vary by scheme and plan. To confirm whether your specific medical aid and plan is accepted — and to check whether a procedure requires pre-authorisation — please contact our rooms directly on +27 (0)11 462 5113 before your appointment. Patients without medical aid are also welcome on a cash-pay basis.

A coronary angiogram is an X-ray-based procedure that uses contrast dye to visualise the coronary arteries and detect any narrowing or blockages. The procedure itself usually takes 30–60 minutes, though you should allow 3–4 hours in total for preparation, the procedure, and recovery before discharge. A thin flexible tube (catheter) is guided to the heart through an artery — usually in the wrist or groin — under local anaesthetic and sedation, so you will be awake but comfortable. Dr Gonçalves will discuss the results with you and, if a blockage is found, may recommend angioplasty and stenting during the same session or at a planned follow-up procedure.

After an exercise stress test (stress ECG), Dr Gonçalves will review the ECG tracings, your heart rate response, blood pressure changes, and any symptoms you experienced during exertion. Results are interpreted in the context of your overall risk profile and medical history. If the test is normal, this is reassuring and a follow-up management plan will be discussed. If the test shows abnormal changes — such as signs of reduced blood flow to the heart — further investigations such as a coronary angiogram may be recommended. You are typically able to drive home and resume light activities the same day, and results are usually available immediately or within 24 hours.

Dr Gonçalves is a specialist cardiologist with broad expertise across all facets of cardiology. His particular areas of interest include heart attacks (myocardial infarction), heart failure, and syncope (unexplained blackouts or fainting). He also manages coronary artery disease, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) requiring pacemakers, and valvular heart disease. Importantly, Dr Gonçalves places significant emphasis on preventive cardiology — helping patients reduce their cardiovascular risk through targeted lifestyle improvements before acute problems develop. If you are unsure whether your symptoms or condition fall within his scope, call the rooms on +27 (0)11 462 5113.