What is heart disease?
Heart disease covers several conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels:
Coronary artery disease
Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the heart and can lead to chest pain or a heart attack.
Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
The heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly.
Congenital heart defects
Structural heart problems present from birth.
What are the common signs and symptoms of heart disease?
Chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, palpitations and swelling in the legs. Sudden chest pain is an emergency — call 911.
What causes heart disease?
Several risk factors contribute:
Age
Risk increases as arteries age and stiffen.
Sex
Men face higher risk earlier; women’s risk rises after menopause.
Poor diet
Diets high in salt, sugar and saturated fat raise blood pressure and cholesterol.
Obesity
Excess weight strains the heart and is linked to diabetes and high blood pressure.
Lack of exercise
Inactivity weakens the heart and contributes to other risk factors.
How does heart disease treatment work?
Treatment includes blood pressure and cholesterol control, medication when needed, a realistic nutrition and exercise plan and referral to cardiology for advanced testing.
This information is educational and does not replace a medical visit. In an emergency, call 911.