Blood and blood vessels

Blood flowing through the blood vessels carries oxygen, nutrients and waste around the body. Find out the components of blood.

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Abdominal aortic aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta (the main blood vessel in the body). Read about the symptoms and treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms.

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Vasculitis

Vasculitis is a group of disorders and is caused by inflammation of blood vessels. Read more about vasculitis types, symptoms and treatment options.

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Aneurysms

An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weakened vessel wall. Learn about different types of aneurysms, their symptoms and treatment.

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Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease is a rare illness causing fever and inflammation of blood vessels, mostly in children. Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment.

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Angiogram

An angiogram is a test used to help detect abnormal blood vessels, clots and other problems. Learn more about angiograms including what to expect.

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Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

ACE inhibitors and ARBs are commonly taken for hypertension. They work by relaxing your blood vessels. You shouldn’t take ACE inhibitors and ARBs together.

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Aortic coarctation

Find out about aortic coarctation — a heart condition in which a section of the aorta, the main blood vessel from your heart, is narrowed.

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Circulatory system

The circulatory system includes the blood, heart and blood vessels. It moves oxygen and nutrients around the body and removes carbon dioxide to help keep your body cells healthy.

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Open inguinal hernia repair (female)

An inguinal hernia is a lump which appears in the passage where blood vessels pass through your abdominal wall. It can be dangerous because your intestines can have their blood supply cut off.

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Angioplasty

Angioplasty is performed to increase the flow of blood through a narrowed artery. Learn how to prepare for angioplasty and what to expect.

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Cardiac catheterisation

Cardiac catheterisation ('cardiac cath' or 'heart cath') is a common procedure that lets cardiologists examine and treat the heart and coronary arteries.

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Congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease is a birth defect caused when your heart hasn't formed properly. It varies in severity from uncomplicated to serious.

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Diabetic retinopathy

Discover how diabetes can slowly damage your retina (the back of your eye). This can lead to diabetic retinopathy and vision problems.

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Blood clots

Blood clots can cause different problems depending on where they are in your body. A blood clot can affect your heart, lung or brain, which could be life-threatening. Learn how to recognise the signs and symptoms of a blood clot.

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Calcium channel blockers (CCB)

Find out what the most common types of calcium channel blockers are used for, how they work and any side effects associated with taking them.

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Breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue flap

A breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue is an operation to recreate a breast shape. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

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Coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis

Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as ‘ischaemic heart disease’, is the most common form of heart disease. Learn how to reduce your risk.

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Marfan syndrome

This condition affects tissue that strengthens and stabilises joints and muscles. People with Marfan syndrome are often tall and long-limbed.

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Aortic dissection

Aortic dissection is a rare but serious condition where there is a tear in the innermost wall of the aorta — the largest artery in the body.

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Chilblains (perniosis)

Chilblains are itchy, swollen and painful lumps or patches on the skin caused by the cold. They usually affect the fingers and toes. Find out more about the symptoms and treatment.

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Nosebleed

Children often get nosebleeds, and this can make them quite distressed. However, most nosebleeds do not last very long and are very mild.

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Rosacea

Rosacea causes redness, flushing, and sometimes pimples and pustules, on your face. Find out about rosacea’s symptoms, triggers and treatments.

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Blood pressure medication

Blood pressure medicines ('antihypertensives'), such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and diuretics help manage high blood pressure.

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Stroke

A stroke is when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted. Learn the 'FAST' test for stroke symptoms, which can save a person's life.

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Subdural haematoma

A subdural haematoma is an emergency condition that can result from a head injury. Here's why it's so important to seek urgent medical attention.

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Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids or piles are lumps that occur inside and around the anal passage. Here’s how to help ease symptoms and discomfort.

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Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism is serious. If a blood clot gets stuck in your lungs it can cause problems with your heart and breathing. Learn the symptoms.

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Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood and are usually measured along with cholesterol. Find out more about the impact of high triglyceride levels and how to lower them.

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Statins

Statins are medicines used to lower cholesterol and are recommended for people at risk of cardiovascular disease. Here's how statins work.

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