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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Should I be tested for heart disease?

Understanding heart disease risk can help you reduce your risk and protect your heart. Find out more about heart disease risk and heart disease tests.

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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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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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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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Statins

Statins are medicines used to lower cholesterol and are recommended for people at risk of cardiovascular disease. Here's how statins work.

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Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that raise the risk of stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Find out its symptoms and treatments.

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Diabetes screening tests

You can have diabetes without any symptoms at all. If you are at a high risk of diabetes, ask your doctor for a diabetes screening test.

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Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference

Learn how to calculate your body mass index (BMI) and measure your waist circumference. These measurements tell you if you are a healthy weight.

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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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Heart attack symptoms: males vs females

Find out about the differences in heart attack symptoms between males and females, and about what can increase your risk of having a heart attack.

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Manage your health in your 40s

Be aware of the health conditions that affect people in their 40s. Learn how to reduce your risks and manage your health at this stage of life.

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Pre-diabetes

Having pre-diabetes does not mean you will necessarily develop type 2 diabetes, but you will have a higher risk than if you had normal glucose levels.

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15 minutes of walking could reduce your risk of disease

Walking 15 minutes a day could reduce your risk of heart disease, dementia and some cancers, says the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

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Manage your health in your 50s

Be aware of the health conditions that can affect people in their 50s. Learn how to reduce your risks and manage your health at this stage of life.

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Extreme weather

Extreme weather is part of Australian life. Learn how to protect your health, how to prepare for bushfires, floods and other natural disasters and know which health conditions put you at greater risk.

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Manage your health in your 60s

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

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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. Learn some ways to help manage your health as you age.

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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and menopause medications

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) comes in various forms and is used to treat the symptoms of menopause.

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Lynch syndrome

Lynch syndrome, formerly known as HNPCC, is a genetic condition that increases the risk of a person developing some cancers, such as bowel cancer. Learn more here.

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Sexually transmitted infections (STI)

Sex is part of a healthy relationship, but can carry risks. Learn about safe sex, STIs, spotting symptoms, and what to do if you get infected.

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Reducing your risk of developing a blood clot

Blood clots occur to prevent you from losing too much blood. They can form inside a vein and move to your lungs, causing pain or serious complications.

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Should I be checked for skin cancer?

Anyone can develop skin cancer and the risks increase as you grow older. Read on to find out how you can get a skin check.

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Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Find out how to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) — one of the main causes of SUDI.

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Family medical history

Knowing your family medical history is important. It can guide you in making changes that will reduce your risk of developing a hereditary condition.

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Sun protection — infographic

If you need to go outside in the sun, it's important to protect you and your children's skin to reduce the risk of skin cancer. This infographic shows the sun protection measures you should take.

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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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Cholesterol and lipid tests

Read about cholesterol (or lipid profile) blood tests, which look at cholesterol and other fats in your blood, and what the results mean.

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Bone density scan

Find out if you need a bone density scan and how this medical test is used to help identify low bone density and diagnose osteoporosis.

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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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