What is
Childhood-onset Heart Disease (CoHD)?
Childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD) is the collective term for the spectrum of heart conditions that affect the heart’s ability to work efficiently.
Heart defects and conditions experienced from birth are known as Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD). Acquired Heart Disease refers to conditions that arise later in childhood, commonly as a result of infections or exposures.
Condition Types
Aortic Valve Disease
Atrial Septal Defect
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)
Pulmonary Stenosis
Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
What We Do
HeartKids is the only Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and advocating for families impacted by childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD).
Our Support
We bring care and connection to those living with CoHD. As your CoHD companion for life, HeartKids makes holistic care possible with access to tailored information, resources, and support.
Our Impact
For over 40 years, HeartKids has stood side by side with families on their CoHD journeys. Today, our support extends to the over 80,000 Australian children, teens, and adults affected by CoHD.
Our Resources
HeartKids provides trusted information and resources about CoHD. Our resource library is a one-stop-shop for all our CoHD resources, including fact sheets, podcasts, videos and more.
How You Can Help
Give to HeartKids
Your one-time or regular donation brings hope to the over 80,000 Australians living with CoHD. Discover ways to give today.
Community Fundraising
Have fun whilst making a real difference to lives of those impacted by CoHD. Learn more about community giving with HeartKids.
Get Your Work Involved
A donation made by you, your team, or your organisation brings us one step closer to our committent to overcome CoHD together.
Volunteer With Us
Create impact on the lives people living with CoHD through volunteering. Explore the many ways to volunteer with HeartKids.
Latest News and Stories
What It’s Really Like to Have a Heart Kid in the Family, and to Cope with Grief
‘MALACHY’ the book is about the life of my HeartKid Malachy....
HeartKids Presents CHD Real Talk: Experiences of living with CHD
Introducing CHD Real Talk, an insightful new video series presented by HeartKids. Join us as we delve into the realities of living with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) with individuals and families from our CHD community....
HeartKids Introduces new Easy Read Resources
HeartKids is delighted to share a new a suite of Easy Read Resources designed to make information accessible and engaging for individuals with childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD) and their families. ...
Benefits of Exercise for People Living with CHD
Living with Childhood-onset Heart Disease (CoHD) can present some unique challenges, but it doesn’t mean you can’t lead an active lifestyle......
Media Release: National Standards of Care Launches
Federal Health Minister launches new Standards of Care for childhood-onset heart disease...
Navigating School and Life with CHD – Emma Psaros
Hello, I'm Emma, and I'm 24 years old. Here is my reflection on navigating school and life with congenital heart disease....
HeartKids Teen Camps 2023 Reflections
Each year, HeartKids hosts multiple Teen Camps across Australia, bringing together young people navigating life with CoHD...
HeartKids Launches Sweetheart Day 2024 – Give Your Heart To A Heart Kid!
Give Your Heart To A Heart Kid!...
How to Navigate A CHD Diagnosis As A Parent Or Carer
Learn more about how to navigate a new CHD diagnosis as a parent or carer. ...
How To Manage Your CHD As You Grow Up
Learn more about how you can manage your CHD as you transition from your childhood healthcare to adult healthcare....