Congenital heart defects are problems with the structure of the heart that are present from birth. The defects develop during pregnancy. In Australia, as many as one baby in 100 is born with a heart defect.
hypertension
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy – disease of the heart muscle – can affect adults and children. Damage to the heart muscle can lead to heart failure and dangerous irregular heart rhythms in some people.
Blood donations
Are you eligible to donate blood? What are blood donations used for? What happens during a blood transfusion? Answers to common questions about blood donations and transfusions.
Low blood pressure
Low blood pressure (hypotension) can have many causes, including diet, medication or an underlying health condition. Treatment depends on the cause.
High blood pressure should be treated
Having hypertension (high blood pressure) increases your risk of serious conditions such as stroke and heart attack. Find out when to have your blood pressure checked and what to do if yours is high.
Heart: how your heart pumps blood around your body
See our diagram showing how your heart pumps blood to the organs and tissues of your body.
Atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common type of heart rhythm disorder. It is characterised by a rapid and irregular heartbeat and can increase the risk of stroke.
Cholesterol: what is your target?
Your cholesterol target levels can differ from other people's cholesterol goals, because they are based on your individual risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Cholesterol lowering margarines
Margarines that claim to help lower cholesterol can now be found in any supermarket. Find out how they work and who can use them.
High blood pressure treatments
If you have high blood pressure your doctor may recommend lifestyle measures, such as diet and exercise, and possibly also medicines to control your blood pressure. Find out about the different options.
