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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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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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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How to talk to someone about diabetes

Almost 300 Australians are diagnosed with diabetes every day. But type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed, if you know the risk factors.

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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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Knee pain

Knee pain is a common problem with a number of causes. Read about risk factors, symptoms, treatments and diagnosis.

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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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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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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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Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, causing them to become weak and fragile. Learn about its treatment, management and prevention.

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Why a diabetes test might be overdue for you

Diabetes is being diagnosed too late in many Australians, and by delaying a visit to the doctor they put themselves at risk of life-threatening health problems.

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Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy damages the nervous system and muscle control, affecting movement and coordination. While the cause is often unknown, there are risk factors.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and dementia

Find out more about dementia and how it affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from Mark Wenitong, one of Australia's longest standing and respected indigenous doctors.

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Manage your health in your 50s

Once you’re in your 50s, you need to be aware of the health conditions that increasingly affect people at this age. Learn how to reduce your risks and to manage your health at this stage of life.

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Manage your health in your 40s

Once you’re in your 40s, you need to be aware of the health conditions that increasingly affect people at this age. Learn how to reduce your risks and to manage your health at this stage of life.

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Causes of psychosis

While no one knows exactly what causes psychosis, it could be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Drug abuse can also be a trigger.

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Mental illness

One in 5 Australians will experience a mental illness in any given year. Here is information on causes and symptoms of mental illness, and where to find help.

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Oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer develops in the ‘tube’ between the throat and the stomach. It’s a very serious condition and important to know the risk factors.

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Manage your health in your 60s

If you are in your 60s, you should be aware of common conditions, their signs and symptoms, and how to prevent them to stay healthy.

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Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference

Learn to estimate whether or not you are a healthy weight by calculating your body mass index (BMI) and measuring your waist circumference.

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Brain tumours

A brain tumour is a lump of abnormal benign or malignant cells that grows in the brain. It can seriously affect the body’s functions and thinking.

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Osteopaenia

People with osteopaenia have bones that are weaker than normal. Osteopaenia is not as severe as osteoporosis but you still have to be careful if you’re at risk.

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Ebola virus

Ebola is a rare and often fatal illness. Learn about the Ebola virus, who’s at risk, symptoms and treatment options.

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Spina bifida

Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects a baby’s spine from early pregnancy. Ensuring enough folate in the diet is the best way to reduce the risk of spina bifida.

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Manage your health in your 70s and older

If you are 70 or older, you should be aware of common health conditions and their signs, and take steps to prevent them. Learn how to manage your health as you age.

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Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it well. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.

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Alcohol - an overview

Alcohol is a legal but mood-changing drug. Read more about alcohol’s effects on the body, about safe drinking, ‘standard drinks’ and more.

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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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Anorexia nervosa

People with anorexia nervosa have an irrational fear of gaining weight and put themselves on restrictive diets and harsh, punishing exercise routines.

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Metabolism

Metabolism refers to all the chemical processes your body uses to produce energy. Find out more about metabolism, what affects it and whether you can boost your metabolism.

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