Cholesterol - genetic factors
Familial hypercholesterolaemia is an inherited condition characterised by higher than normal levels of blood cholesterol. Treatment includes changes to diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs. Other ... [... more]
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Smoking and heart disease
Cigarette smoking is a major cause of heart attack, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. Smoking kills more than 15,000 Australians a year or more than 40 Australians each day. Nearly 40 per cent of all people who die from smoking tobacco do ... [... more]
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Heart disorders (acquired) - children
Some children develop a heart problem after an illness. This is called an acquired heart defect. The four main types of acquired heart defect are Kawasaki disease, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy and rheumatic heart disease. Some children acquire a ... [... more]
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Heart arrhythmia and palpitations
A heart that skips a beat, beats irregularly or beats too quickly or too slowly is considered to be experiencing heart arrhythmia. Other symptoms of heart arrhythmia may include chest pain, dizziness or fainting, sweating, shortness of breath, ... [... more]
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Aortic stenosis - Better Health Channel.
Aortic stenosis is the abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve. Symptoms include breathlessness, fainting, coughing at night and pains in the chest (from angina). Treatment includes medications and surgery. Aortic stenosis is the abnormal ... [... more]
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Artificial cardiac pacemakers
An artificial pacemaker for the heart works by supplementing the heart's natural rhythm. Conditions like 'sick sinus syndrome' or 'heart block' are characterised by the heart's inability to beat regularly and effectively. Symptoms may include ... [... more]
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Heart attack explained
A heart attack occurs when one of the arteries that supply blood to the heart is blocked. This usually occurs as a result of narrowing of these arteries, which is caused by a build-up of fatty deposits. Heart attack is a medical emergency. ... [... more]
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Heart explained
The functions of the heart are to pump oxygenated blood around the body, and to deliver deoxygenated blood and waste products (carbon dioxide) to the lungs. Disorders of the heart include coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack and heart ... [... more]
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Cholesterol - healthy eating tips
Cholesterol is a type of fat that is essential for the body. Too much cholesterol in the blood can cause health problems. Healthy eating habits, such as choosing polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated oils and reducing saturated fats and trans fats ... [... more]
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Heart disease - enlarged heart
An enlarged heart is a symptom of an underlying disorder that is causing the heart to work harder than normal. Possible causes include coronary heart disease, cardiac ischaemia, high blood pressure, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, ... [... more]
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Heart disease - risk factors explained
Coronary heart disease leads to heart attacks. Common risk factors include raised cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, family history and age. Some risks can be reduced by following a healthy lifestyle and not ... [... more]
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Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is characterised by an electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormality. This is usually, but not always, associated with attacks of rapid heart rate (tachycardia). A person with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome has two electrical ... [... more]
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