Circulatory system

Your body's circulatory system comprises the blood, heart and blood vessels. It moves oxygen and nutrients around the body, and removes carbon dioxide. Find out more, including about the problems that can occur.

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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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Heart

The heart pumps blood around the body to supply tissues with nutrition and oxygen. Find out about how it works and a number of health problems related to the heart.

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Heart and cardiovascular conditions

Learn more about the conditions that affect your heart and cardiovascular system, such as high blood pressure, angina and heart disease.

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Anatomy

The human body has many different systems and organs that all serve different function. Learn more about the brain, heart, digestive system and other parts of the body.

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Cardiac enzymes

Cardiac enzyme tests can check whether the heart muscle is damaged, and indicate if a person has had a heart attack.

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White blood cells

White blood cells are a vital part of your immune system, detecting and dealing with infections. Find out more more about health problems involving white blood cells.

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Cholesterol and lipid tests

A cholesterol (or lipid profile) test looks at the various levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood.

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Heart transplants

A heart transplant is an operation to replace a damaged heart with a healthy donor heart. Learn about waiting lists and life after a transplant.

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Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (when part of the heart ‘quivers’ rather than beating normally) could lead to a stroke. Know the symptoms and decrease your risk.

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Endocarditis

This rare but potentially fatal condition is caused by infection of the inner lining of the heart. A quick diagnosis of endocarditis is vital.

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Heart palpitations

If you become suddenly aware of your heartbeat, especially if it's faster or harder, you could be having palpitations. Learn how to spot the signs and the causes of heart palpitations.

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Electrocardiogram (ECG)

To find out how well your heart is working, your doctor may ask you to have an electrocardiogram (ECG). Learn more about it and why you may need an ECG.

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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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Pacemaker

Has your doctor recommended you to have a pacemaker? Find out what it is, who needs it and things to consider before and after the surgery.

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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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Aortic valve replacement

The aortic valves in the heart keep blood flowing in the correct direction. Learn how to prepare for an aortic valve replacement and what to expect.

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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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Red blood cells

Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body and transport carbon dioxide to the lungs. Learn about related health problems and how a healthy diet can help produce red blood cells.

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Anaemia

Anaemia is a lack of red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs around the body. It's important treat the cause of the anaemia.

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Is butter really better?

Butter is back in fashion because it's 'all natural', but since it's high in fat, is it healthier than margarine? And what about cholesterol-lowering spreads?

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Dietary fats

The body needs some fats and oils as part of a balanced diet. But some fats (unsaturated fats) are healthier than others (saturated and trans fats).

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Heart murmur

Heart murmurs are sounds that can be heard when listening to the heart. Some heart murmurs are a sign of a heart condition, but others are not. Here's what you need to know.

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Heart arrhythmias

A heart arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. Your heart can beat too fast, too slow or irregularly. Learn how to recognise the symptoms here.

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Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that raise the risk of stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Find out its symptoms and treatments.

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Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a condition where the heart beats at a faster rate than normal (usually more than 100 beats per minute).

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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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Inserting a pacemaker

An abnormal heart rhythm can cause cardiac arrest and even death. Having a pacemaker inserted may save your life by preventing you from having a cardiac arrest.

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Inserting an internal cardioverter defibrillator

An abnormal heart rhythm can cause cardiac arrest. Having an ICD inserted may save your life by giving you a shock to make your heart beat normally again.

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Resting heart rate

Resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute when you are at rest. Learn why it’s an important sign of your heart health and how to check it.

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