MyHealth

Heart disease refers to any condition affecting the heart. There are many types, some of which are preventable.

Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect your heart. Diseases under the heart disease umbrella include blood vessel diseases, such as coronary artery disease; heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias); and heart defects you're born with (congenital heart defects), among others.

The term "heart disease" is often used interchangeably with the term "cardiovascular disease." Cardiovascular disease generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke. Other heart conditions, such as those that affect your heart's muscle, valves or rhythm, also are considered forms of heart disease.

There are various types of heart diseases.

• Heart defects you're born with (congenital heart defects)


• Coronary artery disease


• High blood pressure


• Diabetes


• Smoking


• Excessive use of alcohol or caffeine


• Drug abuse


• Stress


• Some over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, dietary supplements and herbal remedies

Symptoms

Cardiovascular disease symptoms may be different for men and women.

For instance, men are more likely to have chest pain;

women are more likely to have other symptoms along with chest discomfort, such as shortness of breath, nausea and extreme fatigue.

• Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina)


• Shortness of breath


• Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed


• Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back

• Abnormal heartbeats


• Heart defects


• Weak heart muscle


• Heart infections