What is heart disease?

September 2, 5:14 PMHeart Health ExaminerThomas Reilly

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We all have probably heard the staggering figures on heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. Over 600,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. each year, more than all forms of cancer combined. But just what is heart disease?  

Heart disease, often referred to as cardiovascular disease, is a broad term that includes several specific conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries thereby inhibiting, or in some cases blocking, blood flow to the heart. Plaque build-up in the coronary arteries is atherosclerosis. Partial blockage can lead to angina, a pressing or squeezing pain in the chest. Angina is usually a warning sign of heart disease. In more severe cases of coronary artery blockage, a heart attack or myocardial infarction can occur.

A second common condition of heart disease is heart failure, also called congestive heart failure or CHF. This occurs when the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body is impaired, due to a structural or functional disorder with the heart. As the blood supply is hindered, severe heart failure can lead to heart and organ failure. With the exception of heart failure caused by reversible conditions, the condition usually worsens with time. 

Cardiac arrhythmia is a term for any of a group of conditions in which there is a change in the beat of the heart due to abnormal electrical activity in the heart. The heart beat may be too fast or too slow, and may be regular or irregular. Many arrhythmias are associated with annoying symptoms, or may predispose a patient towards other problems such as stroke. Some severe arrhythmias are life-threatening and can result in cardiac arrest and sudden death.  

Still another condition of heart disease is congenital heart disease. A congenital heart defect (CHD) is a defect in the structure of the heart and vessels that you are born with. Heart defects are among the most common birth defects and are the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths.

Heart disease is the No. 1  killer of men and women across the globe and in the United States, and is an umbrella for a number of conditions. Fortunately, many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices, diet and exercise.

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