Resources and Information

Information on COVID-19 for people impacted by childhood heart disease, including general advice about vaccines.

Open - CHD and COVID-19 

This fact sheet provides an overview of the different types of congenital and childhood acquired heart disease, looking at some key facts and statistics.

Download - The Facts (PDF)

Also available in:

• Arabic
• Filipino (Tagalog) 
• Hindi 
• Mandarin 
• Swahili 
• Vietnamese

Most cases of congenital heart defects have no known cause. Some of the known causes include genetics and environmental factors related to maternal health.

Download - Causes (PDF) 

These resources explain more about the major types of heart abnormalities grouped under the term childhood heart disease, including congenital and childhood acquired heart conditions:

• Aortic Valve Disease
• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
• Atrio-ventricular Septal Defect (AVSD)
• Coarctation of the Aorta
• Cyanotic Congenital Disease
• Hypoplastic right heart syndrome (HRHS)
• Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)
• Mitral Valve Disease
• Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
• Pulmonary Atresia
• Pulmonary Valve Disease
• Single Ventricle Pathology
• Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF)
• Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
• Kawasaki Disease
• Rheumatic Heart Disease

This podcast explores stories of Australians impacted by CHD. It is for anyone impacted by congenital or childhood heart conditions.

Go To - HeartKids Podcast (webpage) 

This fact sheet contains general information about CHD, how to manage a new diagnosis and information on how to access more support if you need it.

Download - New Diagnosis (PDF)

Also available in:

• Arabic
• Filipino (Tagalog) 
• Hindi 
• Mandarin
• Swahili 
• Vietnamese

This brochure explains some of the support and services HeartKids provides to individuals and families in and out of hospital.

Download - How HeartKids Can Support You (PDF)

This fact sheet provides information and tips to help you identify and meet any challenges when your child is starting school.

Download - Starting School (PDF) 

Poppy and her mum Jess share some details of their journey, as well as some advice for other families and young heart kids.

Watch video - The Kelly Family (YouTube) 

Kimberley has had to navigate a mental health journey of her own since bringing her heart kid Mikaela home.

Watch video - Kimberley Cepon (YouTube) 

A booklet for teens and young people providing information about growing up with a heart condition. 

Download - Booklet (PDF)

Information for teens and young people about mental health when living with a heart condition.

Download - Mental Health (PDF)

Information on sex, contraception, pregnancy and family planning for people with congenital heart disease.

Download - Sex and Pregnancy (PDF)

Information on the different stages of transition and how to manage a heart condition during this time.

Download - Growing Up (PDF)

Information to help young people with CHD make informed choices about alcohol and energy drinks.

Download - Alcohol (PDF)

Almost everyone with CHD can benefit from exercise but it is important to speak to your doctor so that you can do it in a way that is safe and beneficial for you.

Download - Exercise (PDF)

Some young people with heart conditions may need to be extra vigilant about flu shots and other preventative vaccines that are not on the standard immunisation schedule.

Download - Immunisation (PDF)

The information in this fact sheet explains how and why you are entitled to confidential health care.

Download - Privacy (PDF)  

Information on preparing for travel and trips when you have a heart condition, including tips for travel insurance.

Download - Travel (PDF)

It is important to maintain ongoing care for your heart disease in adulthood. This fact sheet outlines some key considerations for adults.

Download - Adulthood (PDF)

Kennedy Cherrington is an NRLW player and a heart kid. Learn about Kennedy's journey to managing her life and heart condition independently, and what advice she has for other young heart kids.

Watch - Kennedy Cherrington (YouTube) 

Four teens at the HeartKids Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teen Camp in 2021 share their thoughts.

Watch - Teen Camp 2021 (YouTube) 

Davina Quartermaine talks about her family's journey with grandson Paul.

Download - Davina and Paul's Story (PDF) 

Clinton and Monique Mooney talk about their family's journey with daughter Mahli-May.

Download - Mahli-May's Story (PDF) 

Mandela talks about her CHD journey with son Myles.

Download - Mandela's Story (PDF) 

• The Facts (PDF): An overview of the different types of CHD
• New Diagnosis (PDF): General information on managing a new CHD diagnosis and how to access support

• The Facts (PDF): An overview of the different types of CHD
• New Diagnosis (PDF): General information on managing a new CHD diagnosis and how to access support

• The Facts (PDF): An overview of the different types of CHD
• New Diagnosis (PDF): General information on managing a new CHD diagnosis and how to access support

• The Facts (PDF): An overview of the different types of CHD
• New Diagnosis (PDF): General information on managing a new CHD diagnosis and how to access support

• The Facts (PDF): An overview of the different types of CHD
• New Diagnosis (PDF): General information on managing a new CHD diagnosis and how to access support

• The Facts (PDF): An overview of the different types of CHD
• New Diagnosis (PDF): General information on managing a new CHD diagnosis and how to access support