What is a heart attack?

For your heart to function properly, it needs a good blood supply. A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery, which supplies blood to your heart, becomes blocked. This stops the blood flow and reduces the amount of oxygen that gets to your heart muscle. This causes the most common heart attack symptoms, which are chest discomfort or pain and can spread to your arms, neck, jaw or back. Unlike angina this discomfort often last for longer than 10 minutes

5 warning signs of a heart attack

Just as no two hearts beat the same, no two heart attacks are the same, even for the same person. It is different for everyone and the warning signs someone experiences before a heart attack can vary drastically from person to person.

Heart attacks happen when one or more of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to your heart, become blocked. This means blood and oxygen can’t reach the heart and causes damage to the heart muscle. 

If you're experiencing any of these, tell someone. If symptoms are severe, or getting worse, or last for more than 10 minutes, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Seven surprising symptoms of heart disease

You’re probably familiar with some of the more ‘classic’ symptoms of heart disease. Chest pain (angina) which might feel like an uncomfortable pressure or heaviness. Palpitations or sensation of a racing heart. Feeling short of breath or having difficulty breathing.  

But did you know heart disease can also cause symptoms affecting other parts of your body?

10 steps to protect your heart health

Ready to help your heart keep on beating? Here are 10 important ways to reduce your risk of heart disease for a healthier life. 

Top 5 cholesterol questions answered

It’s waxy, fatty, and often unappreciated. Nope, it’s not that unwanted scented candle you got for Valentine’s Day. We’re talking about cholesterol.

You might’ve heard there is ‘good’ cholesterol and ‘bad’ cholesterol. Our bodies need some cholesterol to help build cells, hormones and vitamin D. But high levels of the bad kind can clog arteries and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. 

Have you heard of Rheumatic Heart Disease?

Rheumatic heart disease is a serious condition where your heart valves are damaged after having acute rheumatic fever. Heart valves help make sure the blood flows in the right direction through the heart. If a valve is damaged, it might not close or open properly meaning some blood may flow backwards. 

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples are at high risk of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, with you people aged five to fourteen years most often affected. 

Mental health and heart disease

Having a mental health condition can have a negative impact on your heart health and increase your risk of heart disease.