What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrow or blocked. This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart attacks.

Other types of heart disease include heart valve disease, arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), heart failure, and cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle). These conditions can cause the heart to work less efficiently, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and is a major public health concern. Some of the risk factors for heart disease include age, gender, family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Preventing heart disease involves making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, managing stress, and controlling other health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Treatment options for heart disease include medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery or other medical procedures.

Early diagnosis and treatment of heart disease can help prevent serious complications and improve outcomes. It is important to talk to a doctor about any symptoms or concerns, and to have regular check-ups to monitor for the development of heart disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall heart health.