Kidney disease and cardiovascular risks
People with severe kidney disease are more likely to have cardiovascular problems such as angina, heart attack, stroke or heart failure. Diabetes is the main cause of kidney failure (also known as 'end stage renal failure' or ESRF). Early ... [... more]
Better Health |
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]
Better Health |
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]
Better Health |
Blood pressure (high) - hypertension
High blood pressure (hypertension) means that your blood is pumping at a higher pressure than normal through your arteries. This can contribute to a number of diseases including heart attack, kidney failure or stroke. Hypertension usually ... [... more]
Better Health |
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]
Better Health |
Diabetes - possible complications
Diabetes has possible complications including damage to large and small blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack and stroke, and problems with the kidneys, eyes, feet and nerves. However, the risk of most diabetes-related complications can ... [... more]
Better Health |
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]
Better Health |
Chest pain
Chest pain may be a sign of a heart attack. However, there are other causes of chest pain including indigestion and muscle strain. If in doubt, call an ambulance. Chest pain may be serious and you should always seek urgent medical help. Chest ... [... more]
Better Health |
Pericarditis - Better Health Channel.
The heart is surrounded by a flexible two-layered membrane called the pericardium. Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium. The symptoms may be similar to those of heart attack, and include chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms. The heart ... [... more]
Better Health |
Heart health ... all about
Heart disease is very common. Many heart conditions like heart attacks cardiovascular disease and stroke can be prevented. Other heart conditions are related to genetic conditions. A healthy diet, exercise, avoiding smoking and other strategies ... [... more]
Better Health |
Heart conditions - angina
Angina is chest pain caused by insufficient blood flow to the muscle of the heart. Angina may be a warning sign of an impending heart attack. Arteries which service the heart have become narrowed by fatty plaques, which reduces blood flow. Angina ... [... more]
Better Health |
Dressler's syndrome
Dressler's syndrome is a condition that can develop a few days or weeks after a heart attack or heart surgery. It causes inflammation of the sac that covers the heart. Dressler's syndrome is a condition that can develop a few days or weeks after ... [... more]
Better Health |
