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.

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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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Pericarditis

Pericarditis is inflammation of the thin sheath around your heart. It can lead to problems ranging from swelling to a serious drop in blood pressure.

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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.

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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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Differences between heart disease in women and in men

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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GORD (reflux)

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

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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.

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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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Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a blood disorder that increases the risk of developing blood clots or having problems during pregnancy. Learn more here.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Leukaemia symptoms

Leukaemia symptoms are often mild at first, but slowly worsen over time. Find more about leukaemia symptoms.

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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.

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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.

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Invasive staph infections

Learn more about invasive staph infections.

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Colds

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

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Blood clots

Most blood clots aren’t harmful, but they can move through the body and affect your heart, lung or brain, which could be life threatening. Learn here how to recognise a blood clot.

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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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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.

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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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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.

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Respiratory system

Your respiratory system brings oxygen into your body and helps to remove carbon dioxide. Learn more about how it functions and related conditions.

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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.

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Legionnaires' disease

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

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Heartburn

Heartburn is a feeling of burning pain or discomfort in the chest. Find out about the triggers for heartburn and what you can do to reduce your risk.

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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.

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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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Heart failure

Heart failure is a condition where the heart struggles to pump enough blood. The diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it is possible to live with this condition.

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