Heart
Stay heart healthy.
Learn more about:
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but it can raise your risk for heart disease and stroke.
High Cholesterol
Cholesterol buildup can narrow your arteries and increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Stroke
Learn the warning signs of stroke and the daily habits that can help lower your risk.
Prevention
Better choices, regular checkups, and knowing your risks can go a long way in preventing heart disease.
What
What is heart disease?
Heart disease is a condition of the blood vessels of the heart that can lead to a heart attack. When an artery becomes blocked, it can cause a heart attack by preventing oxygen and nutrients from getting to the heart. Heart disease is one of several cardiovascular diseases, which are diseases of the heart and blood vessel system. There are things you can do to prevent heart disease.
At a glance
1 in 4
Heart disease is the cause of death in 1 of every 4 Americans.
Also Includes
Heart disease is one form of cardiovascular disease. Others include:
- Stroke
- Angina
- Rheumatic Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure
Types
Types of heart disease.
The most common types of heart disease include conditions that affect blood flow, rhythm, valves, and the heart muscle itself.
Common Conditions
18
Learning the different types can help you spot risks earlier and know when to talk with a health care provider.
Aneurysm: A bulged or weakened blood vessel that can rupture.
Angina: Pain in the chest caused by reduced blood supply to the heart.
Arrhythmia: An irregular heartbeat.
Atherosclerosis: Caused by fatty deposit buildup in vessels, restricting blood flow.
Cerebrovascular disease: Impedes flow of blood to the brain.
Congenital heart disease: Malformation of the heart’s structures at birth.
Coronary artery disease: Caused by narrowing arteries and blockage of blood vessels supplying the heart; leads to angina or heart attack.
Heart attack: Myocardial infarction, caused by stoppage of blood supply to the heart.
Heart failure: A chronic condition that happens when heart muscles are too damaged to adequately pump blood throughout the body.
Hypertension: High blood pressure that can scar, narrow, or harden arteries.
Inflammatory heart disease: Caused by infection or toxins; inflames heart muscles.
Ischemic heart disease: Caused by narrowing of the arteries, decreasing blood supply to the heart.
Pericardial disease: Inflammation or fluid accumulation around the sac that encases the heart.
Peripheral arterial disease: Caused by atherosclerosis, resulting in pain in the legs.
Rheumatic heart disease: Caused by rheumatic fever; damages heart valves.
Stroke: Caused by interrupted blood supply to the brain, depriving the brain of oxygen.
Transient ischemic attack: Brief blockage of blood to the brain, causing temporary numbness or weakness.
Valvular heart disease: Caused by infection or rheumatic fever, narrowing of valves, leakage, or improper closure.
Helpful links
Healthy Lifestyle — Small Changes. Big Impact.
Better choices lead to better chances of avoiding chronic diseases. Lifestyle behaviors can affect health. Making little, healthier choices can go a long way.
Healthy Living
Live better. Our Healthy Lifestyle Map will show you where you can find fresh local produce at farmers’ markets and how to stay active at local fitness centers and parks.