Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is kidney disease that continues to get worse without improving. Find out more about chronic kidney disease.

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Find out your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease with this quick test

Healthdirect, with the George Institute, has developed a free online risk calculator to help prevent heart disease, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

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Risk Checker

Find out if you're at risk of heart disease, kidney disease or type 2 diabetes in just a few minutes using the healthdirect Risk Checker.

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Kidney pain

Kidney pain is usually felt in your back. It can be a sign of a kidney problem. Find out about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of kidney pain.

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Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a rare, life-threatening illness where your kidneys stop working properly, most common in children under 5 years.

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Kidney failure

Kidney failure (renal failure) is when your kidneys no longer work properly. Find out about the causes, symptoms and treatments for kidney failure.

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Kidneys

The kidneys’ main functions are to filter or 'clean' your blood of waste products and help control your blood pressure. Find out more about how they work.

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Foods high in potassium

People need potassium in their diet so nerves and muscles function properly. Learn about which foods are good sources of potassium.

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Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome isn't a specific disease, but a set of problems from damaged kidneys. Learn more about the condition, including symptoms and treatment.

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Urinary system

Your urinary system removes waste from your blood in the form of urine, as well as having other important functions. Learn how to keep it healthy.

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Manage your health in your 40s

Be aware of the health conditions that affect people in their 40s. Learn how to reduce your risks and manage your health at this stage of life.

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Blood in urine (haematuria)

Blood in the urine, also called haematuria, can be detected easily but there are many causes. Learn more from our trusted partners' content.

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Dialysis

Dialysis is a way to artificially clean the blood if your kidneys can't cope. Learn about the different types and how to live an active life when you are on dialysis.

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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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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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Manage your health in your 50s

Be aware of the health conditions that can affect people in their 50s. Learn how to reduce your risks and manage your health at this stage of life.

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Why a diabetes test might be overdue for you

Diabetes is being diagnosed too late in many Australians, and by delaying a visit to the doctor they put themselves at risk of life-threatening health problems.

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When it comes to sports supplements, play it safe

Inspired by the Commonwealth Games? Great! But if you want to boost your fitness with sports supplements, use caution: some can be dangerous or ineffective.

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Kidney function blood tests

Kidney (renal) function tests are blood tests to check your kidney health. Read this to find out what is tested and what your results may mean.

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Potassium deficiency

Potassium is a mineral that helps nerves and muscles function properly. Read more about potassium deficiency, symptoms, diagnosis and causes.

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Calcium blood test

A calcium test indicates how much calcium is in your blood. Find out how this test helps doctors diagnose or monitor and treat your illness.

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Cholesterol and lipid tests

Read about cholesterol (or lipid profile) blood tests, which look at cholesterol and other fats in your blood, and what the results mean.

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BMI calculator

Do you know how being overweight can affect your wellbeing? Estimate whether your weight is healthy by using the healthdirect BMI calculator to work out your BMI.

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How to lower your blood pressure

High blood pressure is common but often has no symptoms. Get tips to keep your blood pressure under control, including through lifestyle changes and medication.

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Salt and sodium

Excess salt can raise your blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Here's how to reduce your salt (sodium) intake.

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Manage your health in your 60s

If you are in your 60s, you should be aware of some common health conditions. Find out their symptoms, how to prevent them and stay healthy.

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Manage your health in your 70s and older

If you are 70 or older, you should be aware of common health conditions and their signs. Learn some ways to help manage your health as you age.

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Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels become too high. Find out about the types of diabetes and the treatment options.

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High blood pressure (hypertension)

High blood pressure affects around 1 in 3 Australian adults, so it's important to know your risk of hypertension and how to prevent it.

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Rural men face greater risk of health problems, including suicide

Men who live in rural and remote Australia are more at risk of many health issues, such as obesity and suicide. Even in the outback, help is available.

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