Chest pain

Chest pain is any sort of pain felt in your upper body, from your jaw and shoulders down to your ribs. It can be a symptom of a heart attack. Find out the facts and when to be concerned.

Read more

Angina

Caused by insufficient blood flow to the muscles of the heart, angina usually presents as chest pain. Here's how to recognise the signs of angina.

Read more

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is a serious condition caused by inflammation of the thin sheath around the heart. Read more about pericardititis symptoms, treatment and causes.

Read more

Costochondritis

Costochondritis is an inflammation in the cartilage that joins your ribs to your breastbone. If you have costochondritis, learn how you can reduce the pain.

Read more

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.

Read more

Understanding post-COVID-19 symptoms and ‘long COVID'

While most people fully recover from having COVID-19, others have found it can take longer to get back to normal. Read more about post-COVID symptoms and 'long COVID' here.

Read more

GORD (reflux)

Learn more about symptoms and treatments for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which is caused by stomach acid leaking into the oesophagus.

Read more

Heart attack symptoms: men vs women

Heart disease often goes undiagnosed in women, partly because symptoms can develop later. Learn more about why heart disease differs in men and women.

Read more

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.

Read more

Coronary angiogram

A coronary angiogram is an x-ray procedure used to see whether a person has a certain type of heart disease. See here how the procedure is carried out.

Read more

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.

Read more

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a blood disorder that increases the risk of blood clots and pregnancy complications. Learn more here.

Read more

Inhalants

Inhalants are chemical substances that release fumes or vapours. Some people inhale these fumes to feel high. There is no safe level of inhalant use.

Read more

Heart attack

Acting fast when you notice the warning signs of a heart attack could save your life — or someone else's. Here's how to recognise the symptoms.

Read more

COVID-19 information in languages other than English

Find COVID-19 information in languages other than English from trusted government websites.

Read more

Recovery and returning to normal activities after COVID-19

Learn about what happens after you’ve recovered from COVID-19, and when you can leave isolation and return to normal activities.

Read more

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a possible cause of tachychardia (occasional or frequent episodes of very fast heartbeats). Learn more here.

Read more

5 heart health myths, busted

Heart disease is the leading underlying cause of death in Australia. Knowing how to look after your heart is essential, but there's a lot of misinformation out there.

Read more

Haemoptysis (coughing up blood)

Haemoptysis (hemoptysis) is when you cough up blood from the lungs or bronchial tubes. Learn about the causes and when to seek emergency medical help.

Read more

Invasive staph infections

Invasive staphylococchus (staph) infections, although far less common than staph skin infections, are usually more severe. Learn more about the different types here.

Read more

Blood clots

A blood clot can affect your heart, lung or brain, which could be life-threatening. Learn how to recognise the signs of a blood clot.

Read more

Colds

A cold is a viral infection that affects the nose, the throat and upper airways. Find out more about the common cold.

Read more

Heart murmur

Heart murmurs are extra sounds made by the heart. Some heart murmurs are serious, some are not — here's what you need to know.

Read more

What is a healthy blood pressure?

It's important to have your blood pressure checked, as high blood pressure can affect blood flow to your organs. Discover more about this simple test.

Read more

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a heart condition caused by a damaged heart muscle. Discover what's behind cardiomyopathy, and how to manage it.

Read more

Out-of-date medicines

When medicines are manufactured, by law they must be given an expiry date. Learn more about expiration dates and the safe storage of medicines.

Read more

healthdirect Symptom Checker

Not feeling well? Use the healthdirect Symptom Checker to better understand your symptoms and get advice on when to seek medical attention.

Read more

If you are a COVID-19 ‘close contact’

Find out what you need to do if you have been identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19.

Read more

Pleurisy

Pleurisy occurs when the lining of the lungs become inflamed, most often due to a recent respiratory tract infection. Read about causes and treatments.

Read more

Legionnaires' disease

Legionnaires' disease is a severe and sometimes life-threatening form of pneumonia. Read more information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Read more