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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy

Achalasia is not life-threatening but the symptoms can be disabling. A Heller’s cardiomyotomy is a dependable way to help you to swallow more easily for a long time.

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Hiatus hernia

In a hiatus hernia, a part of the stomach pushes up through a hole in the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. Find out more about hiatus hernia.

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