Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect your heart. Heart diseases include:
Blood vessel disease, such as coronary artery disease
Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
Heart defects you're born with (congenital heart defects)
Heart valve disease
Disease of the heart muscle
Heart infection
Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices.
Symptoms
Heart disease symptoms depend on what type of heart disease you have.
Symptoms of heart disease in your blood vessels
A buildup of fatty plaques in your arteries, or atherosclerosis (ath-ur-o-skluh-ROE-sis) can damage your blood vessels and heart. Plaque buildup causes narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke.
Signs and symptoms can include:
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
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency medical care if you have these heart disease signs and symptoms:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Fainting
Always call 911 or emergency medical help if you think you might be having a heart attack.
Heart disease is easier to treat when detected early, so talk to your doctor about your concerns regarding your heart health. If you're concerned about developing heart disease, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to reduce your heart disease risk. This is especially important if you have a family history of heart disease.
Prevention
Certain types of heart disease, such as heart defects, can't be prevented. However, the same lifestyle changes that can improve your heart disease can help you prevent it, including:
Don't smoke.
Control other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.
Practice good hygiene.
