Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. It is a serious condition that can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in people over the age of 65.

What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is a general term for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. These conditions can include:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque, a buildup of cholesterol and other substances.
- Heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot that forms in a narrowed artery.
- Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, usually by a blood clot that forms in an artery in the neck or brain.
- Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease
There are many risk factors for heart disease, including:
- Age: The risk of heart disease increases with age.
- Sex: Men are at higher risk for heart disease than women.
- Race: African Americans are at higher risk for heart disease than whites.
- Family history: People with a family history of heart disease are at higher risk for developing the condition.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease.
- High cholesterol: High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease.
- Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease.
- Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.
- Physical inactivity: Physical inactivity is a risk factor for heart disease.
- Unhealthy diet: A diet high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium can increase the risk of heart disease.

Symptoms of Heart Disease
The symptoms of heart disease can vary depending on the type of condition. Some common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort: This is the most common symptom of heart disease. The pain can be described as pressure, squeezing, or burning. It may occur in the center of the chest or on the left side of the chest.
- Shortness of breath: This can be a sign of heart failure or CAD.
- Fatigue: This can be a sign of heart failure or CAD.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness: This can be a sign of heart failure or CAD.
- Palpitations: These are feelings of a racing or irregular heartbeat. They can be a sign of an arrhythmia, which is a heart rhythm disorder.
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs: This can be a sign of heart failure.

Diagnosis of Heart Disease
Your doctor will diagnose heart disease based on your symptoms, a physical exam, and tests such as:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the electrical activity of the heart. It can help diagnose arrhythmias and other heart conditions.
- Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It can help diagnose heart valve problems, heart failure, and other heart conditions.
- Stress test: This test involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while your heart is monitored. It can help diagnose CAD.
- Cardiac catheterization: This test involves threading a thin tube into the arteries that supply blood to the heart. It can help diagnose CAD and other heart conditions.

Treatment for Heart Disease
The treatment for heart disease depends on the type of condition and its severity. Treatment may include:
- Medications: There are many different medications that can be used to treat heart disease, including:
- Statins: These medications lower cholesterol levels.
- Aspirin: This medication helps to prevent blood clots.
- Beta-blockers: These medications slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure.
- ACE inhibitors: These medications help to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart.
- Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to treat some types of heart disease, such as CAD and heart valve problems.
- Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes can help to prevent and treat heart disease. These changes include:
- Eating a healthy diet: A healthy diet for heart health includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It should also be low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
- Getting regular exercise: Regular exercise helps to strengthen the heart and improve blood flow.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease. Losing weight can help to reduce your risk.
- Quitting smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Quitting smoking can help to reduce your risk.
- Managing stress: Stress can contribute to heart disease. Learning how to manage stress can help to improve your heart health.

Living Well with Heart Disease
If you have heart disease, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and make lifestyle changes to improve your heart health. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you can live a long and healthy life with heart disease.
Additional Resources
- American Heart Association
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention