Coronavirus (COVID-19): latest updates and how to get care. Or use the virtual assistant below right to check symptoms.
Cardiovascular disease (also called heart disease) refers to any condition that affects your heart, including the blood vessels, electrical signals that dictate your heart rhythm, the heart muscle, and the valves.
If you have cardiovascular disease, you may experience symptoms. They will depend on the specific condition you have and how advanced it is.
Not everyone with heart disease experiences symptoms. It is also possible to go undiagnosed until you experience chest pain (angina) or have a heart attack.
Common symptoms associated with heart disease include:
Heart disease (or cardiovascular disease) is a blanket term covering several conditions. Some of these conditions (like congenital disabilities) are present at birth. Others (like coronary artery disease) develop over time due to damage to your heart muscle, the presence of other conditions that put a strain on your heart, or atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in your vessels).
The heart is a complex organ that acts as a pump, squeezing to move oxygenated blood throughout your body. Your heart is made up of several chambers connected by valves (which act as “gates” and control the flow of oxygenated blood) and surrounded by muscle.
Heart conditions can affect the flow of blood, the valves, the muscle itself, or the electrical impulses that dictate how often and how quickly the heart beats.
While coronary artery disease (in which the blood vessels supplying blood to the heart become narrowed, stiffened, or blocked) is the most common cause of cardiovascular disease, there are many other potential causes. Some of these causes are:
Heart disease can be caused by several conditions affecting various parts of the heart and body. Some of the most common include:
The likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease depends on a number of factors. Some lifestyle, genetic, and other factors can increase risk.
Some of the most prevalent risk factors include:
While it isn’t always possible to avoid heart disease, it is possible to reduce your risk and protect your heart by changing elements of your lifestyle and seeking regular medical care:
The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.