Help and guidance
Frequently asked questions
Practical heart failure questions and answers for patients, carers, clinicians, and service teams. This information is general and does not replace advice from a GP, cardiologist, heart failure nurse, or emergency care team. Search by keyword or narrow the list by topic and audience, then expand a question to read the answer.
Answers
18 results
What is heart failure?
Heart failure means the heart is not pumping or filling as well as it should. It is usually a long-term condition that can cause breathlessness, tiredness, swelling in the legs or ankles, and reduced ability to exercise. A GP, cardiologist, or heart failure nurse can help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
When should I seek urgent help?
Call Triple Zero (000) if you have severe breathlessness, chest pain that is severe, worsening or lasting more than 10 minutes, collapse, confusion, or symptoms that feel life-threatening. If symptoms are not immediately life-threatening but you are unsure what to do, contact your GP, heart failure nurse, or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
What does the portal provide?
The portal brings together general heart failure information, practical resources and South Australian service links. It does not replace advice from your own healthcare team.
Do I need an account to use the portal?
No. You can read public information and FAQs without an account. An account lets you save useful items, and some professional or management areas require an approved role.
How do I find information and resources?
Use the resource library to browse available information, or use the portal search to look for words in resource titles and descriptions.
How do I find help using the portal?
Use the feedback form to tell the portal team what you need help with. Do not use portal feedback for an emergency or urgent clinical advice.
How do I register for an account?
Open the registration page and choose a patient account or clinician application. Patient accounts are available immediately. Clinician access remains limited until an administrator verifies the application.
How do I sign in?
Use the sign-in page with the username and password you chose when registering. If you cannot remember your password, request a password reset.
How do I reset my password?
Enter the email address connected to your account on the password reset page. If an account matches, the portal sends instructions to that address.
What do the different account types mean?
Patient accounts can save information for later. Clinician accounts can access professional material after verification. Committee, curator and administrator roles are assigned for governance, content and technical work.