Day: November 7, 2023

What is a troponin blood test? A troponin blood test is often done in people with chest pain. It can help to work out if your pain is caused by a heart attack. The troponin blood test has replaced cardiac enzyme blood tests, as it is more accurate. Cardiac enzyme blood tests can still be done if troponin tests are not available. What is being tested? Troponin is a protein found in your heart muscle. When your heart muscle is injured, troponin is released into your bloodstream. Your troponin blood level can increase during and after a heart attack. Often a troponin

What is cardiac catheterisation? Cardiac catheterisation is a procedure where a cardiologist threads a thin, hollow tube, known as a catheter, through a blood vessel and into your heart. The catheter is usually inserted into a blood vessel in your groin or wrist. Why do I need cardiac catheterisation? Cardiac catheterisation lets your cardiologist diagnose and treat various heart disorders. They can use it to investigate whether the blood vessels supplying your heart with blood (coronary arteries) are narrowed or blocked. They can also use it to check how well your heart muscles and valves are working. Often, your cardiologist may

What is a heart attack? To work properly, your heart needs a continuous supply of blood. It normally receives this from blood vessels called coronary arteries. When a coronary artery suddenly becomes blocked, oxygen can’t get to your heart muscle. This causes a heart attack (or ‘myocardial infarction’). A heart attack is a medical emergency: without oxygen, your heart muscle begins to die and your heart can become permanently damaged. Heart attacks can be fatal — every day, 17 Australians die from a heart attack. One patient is admitted to hospital due to heart attack every 13 minutes. What are the symptoms

What is cannabis? Cannabis is the general name for drugs like marijuana, hash and hashish oil that are made from the plant cannabis sativa. It’s the most commonly used illicit drug in Australia. The different forms of cannabis are: marijuana: made from the plant’s dried leaves and flowers, and the most common form of cannabis. It is smoked in a joint or bong hashish: dried resin from the plant, usually mixed with tobacco and smoked or added to food, such as cookies or brownies hash oil: a liquid added to the tip of a joint or cigarette concentrates: cannabis extracts

What is vaginal thrush? Vaginal thrush is a common yeast infection caused by the candida species of fungus. It is easily treated and can be prevented. It is also called vaginal candidiasis. Thrush occurs in many areas of the body, but especially in the vagina, anus and mouth. Vaginal thrush can affect women of any age, although it is more common in women between the ages of 15 and 50 years old. It is unusual in girls who have not yet begun their periods and in older women after menopause. What are the symptoms of vaginal thrush? The most common symptoms are itchiness,

What is cancer immunotherapy? Immunotherapy, sometimes called biological therapy, is a type of cancer treatment. It works by using your immune system to help treat the cancer. There are several different types of immunotherapies used in cancer treatment. Immunotherapy is currently approved in Australia for some cancers and is being trialled for other cancers. Talk with your doctor about whether immunotherapy could benefit you. How does immunotherapy work? Usually, your immune system fights germs and cells that cause disease. However, some bacteria, viruses and cancer cells find a way to stop your immune system. Immunotherapy works by: improving your immune system to help

Dealing with childhood (paediatric)cancer   What is childhood cancer? If your child has been diagnosed with cancer, there will be physical, emotional and practical challenges ahead. You may have a lot of different feelings. But there is lots of support and information out there to help both you and your family. Every year, more than 700 children under 14 years are diagnosed with cancer in Australia. Almost half of childhood cancers are diagnosed in children aged between 0 and 4 years. The most common childhood cancers are: leukaemia lymphoma brain cancer However, parents today have more reason to be hopeful than

Caring for someone with cancer Are you a carer? Carers provide unpaid assistance and support to people who need help with their daily activities because of age, illness or disability. People who have cancer often need carers. Carers may help in many different areas of life including: personal care, such as dressing, showering and feeding medical care, such as giving medicines and monitoring symptoms emotional support, such as providing companionship and encouragement practical support, such as providing transport or helping with shopping managing finances, such as paying bills legal matters, such as planning a will or an Advance Care Directive Many

What is cancer? Cancer is a disease of the cells of the body. It happens when cells grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way. These cancer cells can form tumours and invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue. Sometimes cells that are growing abnormally do not spread. These cells are called ‘benign’, or not dangerous. Some cells spread, or are capable of spreading, to surrounding areas or to other parts of the body. These cells are called ‘malignant’, or cancer. When cancer spreads to other parts of your body, this is called ‘metastasis’. The most common cancers in Australia are: prostate

What is campylobacter infection? Campylobacter infection (also called campylobacteriosis) is a bacterial infection. You may have stomach cramps and diarrhoea lasting for 1 to 2 weeks. Most people recover with rest and drinking enough fluids, but some people may also need antibiotics. In rare cases, campylobacter may cause other illnesses. What are the symptoms of campylobacter infection? Symptoms usually start between 2 and 5 days after infection. The illness usually starts with a fever, followed by stomach cramps and diarrhoea, which might be bloody. You usually don’t vomit. The illness generally lasts for 1 or 2 weeks. What causes campylobacter infection? Campylobacter infection is caused by the campylobacter

What is calf pain? Pain in the calf (the back part of the lower leg) is usually caused by a cramp or muscle strain. However, sometimes calf pain can be a symptom of something more serious. What causes calf pain? Cramp Calf pain is usually caused by cramp, when the muscles suddenly contract. This might happen if you have been doing new exercises, if you are dehydrated, or if you are deficient in some minerals. Cramps normally go away quite quickly by themselves. Calf strain The calf is made up of 2 muscles called the gastrocnemius and the soleus. They

What are calcium channel blockers? Calcium channel blockers (CCB) are a group of medicines used to help treat several different medical conditions including angina (chest pain), hypertension (high blood pressure) and some arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm). How do calcium channel blockers work? Calcium channel blockers work by stopping calcium from entering the cells of the heart and arteries. Normally, calcium causes blood vessels and the muscles of the heart to contract (squeeze). Calcium is also important in controlling the electrical pathways and pacemaker cells in the heart. By blocking calcium, these medicines allow blood vessels to relax and open up, helping to reduce blood pressure. The

What is caffeine? Caffeine is a chemical found in foods and drinks. It can stimulate your brain and nervous system. It is found in: coffee tea leaves cocoa beans guarana — a South American plant with high levels of natural caffeine chocolate cola drinks energy drinks Caffeine and medicines Caffeine can also be found in some prescription and over-the-counter medicines, such as some: pain-relief medicines cough medicines weight loss products How will caffeine affect my body? Caffeine affects everyone differently. The effect of caffeine depends on: your height, weight and general health the amount you eat or drink genetic factors whether