Heart disease surgery

Links to our information partners' articles about heart disease surgery and cardiovascular disease.

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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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Post menopause

Some health conditions and problems are more common after menopause, including osteoporosisand cardiovascular disease.

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Should I be tested for heart disease?

Understanding your risk of heart disease can help you take steps to reduce your risk and protect your heart. Find out more about heart disease risks and how heart disease tests are carried out.

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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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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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Blood pressure medication

Blood pressure medications ('hypertensives'), such as ACE inhibitors, beta blockers and diuretics can help to manage and treat high blood pressure.

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Blood disorders

Blood disorders range from mild to life-threatening, and it is important to see a health professional if you suspect you may have one. Learn more about them here.

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Peripheral vascular disease

Peripheral vascular disease refers to diseases of arteries outside the heart and brain, mainly in the legs and feet. Learn about the risk factors.

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Long QT syndrome

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a disorder of the heart's electrical system that can cause fast, chaotic heartbeats, called arrhythmias.

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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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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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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.

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Beta blockers

Beta blockers are medicines that are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), although there can be risks for some people. Find out more about the benefits and risks of using beta blockers.

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Varicose veins

Varicose veins can be painful. Without treatment, they often get worse, so talk to your doctor if you notice any symptoms. Treatments are available, and there is plenty you can do to help.

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How to help someone who's having a stroke

One Australian has a stroke every 9 minutes. But the sooner they get treated, the better. Learn the 'F.A.S.T.' way to help a person having a stroke.

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Cardiomyopathy

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

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Raynaud's phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon (or Raynaud's disease) is a condition causing some areas of the body to feel numb and cool in response to cold temperatures or stress.

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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.

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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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Erythromelalgia

Erythromelalgia is a rare skin condition which causes a burning pain, heat and red skin usually on the hands or feet. You can read more about about erythromelalgia on our trusted partner pages.

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Defibrillators

A defibrillator (sometimes called an AED) can save someone's life if they have a cardiac arrest. Learn more about 'defibs' and how to find one.

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Compartment syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a painful condition caused by pressure in a group of muscles. Learn more about the types, causes, symptoms and treatment options.

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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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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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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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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.

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Aneurysms

An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery or vein caused by a weakened vessel wall. Learn about the types of aneurysm, its symptoms and how it's treated.

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Aortic aneurysm

An aneurysm is a bulge or weakness in a blood vessel. Small aortic aneurysms don’t need to be treated, but larger ones will need surgery in case they burst.

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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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