Heart

The heart pumps blood around the body to supply tissues with nutrition and oxygen. Find out about how it works and a number of health problems related to the heart.

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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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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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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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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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Cardiac enzymes

Cardiac enzyme tests can check whether the heart muscle is damaged, and indicate if a person has had a heart attack.

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Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a condition where the heart beats at a faster rate than normal (usually more than 100 beats per minute).

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Aortic valve replacement

The aortic valves in the heart keep blood flowing in the correct direction. Learn how to prepare for an aortic valve replacement and what to expect.

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Blood and blood vessels

The heart and the vessels that carry blood around the body together make up the cardiovascular system. Learn more about how it functions.

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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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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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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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Anatomy

The human body has many different systems and organs that all serve different function. Learn more about the brain, heart, digestive system and other parts of the body.

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Pacemaker

Has your doctor recommended you to have a pacemaker? Find out what it is, who needs it and things to consider before and after the surgery.

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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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Angioplasty

Angioplasty is performed to increase the flow of blood through a narrowed artery. Learn how to prepare for angioplasty and what to expect.

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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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Rheumatic heart disease

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition that develops when the body’s heart valves are damaged by rheumatic fever. It is serious, but it’s also entirely preventable.

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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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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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Heart arrhythmias

Heart arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats. The heart can beat too fast, too slow or irregularly — learn how to recognise the symptoms here.

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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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Congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease is a birth defect, occurring when a baby is born with a heart that hasn’t formed properly. Some forms of the condition are uncomplicated; others can be very serious. Learn about the differences here.

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Heart disease surgery

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

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5 ways to reduce your risk of heart disease

Nine in 10 Australians have at least one risk factor for heart disease, but there are ways to reduce your risk and keep your heart healthy.

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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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Resting heart rate

Resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute when you are at rest. Learn why it’s an important sign of your heart health and how to check it.

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Staying healthy when you have a heart condition

It's important to stay healthy if you have a heart condition and you can look after your heart by having a healthy lifestyle.

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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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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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