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

Angina is chest pain or discomfort that usually comes on during physical activity. Here’s how to recognise angina and what to do about it.

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Pericarditis

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

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Costochondritis

Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that joins your ribs to your breastbone. Learn how you can reduce the pain of costochondritis.

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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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Troponin blood test

Troponin blood tests can help work out if your heart muscle is damaged due to a heart attack. Read about troponin blood tests and when they are used.

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Aortic stenosis

Read about aortic stenosis, a condition where the aortic heart valve narrows - making it hard for the heart to pump blood through.

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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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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.

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Heart attack

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

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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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Hiatus hernia

A hiatus hernia is where a part of the stomach pushes up through a hole in the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen.

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Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy affects your heart muscle so it can’t pump properly. It can be inherited (hereditary) or caused by viruses, drugs or other heart diseases. Discover how to prevent and manage it.

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Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a blood disorder that increases the risk of blood clots and pregnancy complications. 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 and the causes of heart palpitations.

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Sniffing (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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Monitor your COVID symptoms

Know how to recognise severe COVID symptoms that will need medical attention.

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Children and COVID-19

Learn more about what to do if your child gets COVID-19 and how to care for them.

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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.

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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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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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Mitral valve surgery

Mitral valve disease can cause pain, shortness of breath and eventually death. Mitral valve surgery can relieve your pain, improve your breathing and energy levels, and may help you to live longer.

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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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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.

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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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Thrombosis

Thrombosis, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is where a blood clot forms in a vein or artery. Learn about the risk factors and how to prevent it.

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Bradycardia

Bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate, which can lead to a range of symptoms such as feeling faint, tired or short of breath.

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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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