The Basics
This picture shows a normal artery with normal blood flow (Figure A) and an artery with plaque (Figure B).
What is Heart Disease?
When people talk about heart disease, they are usually talking about coronary artery disease (CAD). This is the most common type of heart disease.
CAD is when the arteries that bring blood to the heart muscle become narrow or blocked. This happens when plaque (plak) builds up on the inner wall of the artery. The more plaque there is, the less blood can flow through to the heart.
If the artery is blocked, the heart cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs. This can cause chest pain or a heart attack. Over time, heart disease can weaken the heart muscle and cause heart failure.
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked. The heart cannot get any oxygen, and parts of the heart muscle may die.
Know the signs of a heart attack. The signs of a heart attack may be different for men and women.
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped. It means that the heart cannot pump blood the way it should to the rest of the body.
What causes plaque in the arteries?
- Smoking
- High amounts of fat and cholesterol in the blood
- High blood pressure
- High levels of sugar in the blood (usually because of diabetes)
All of these factors can cause plaque to build up in the arteries. Over time, the plaque can narrow or completey block the arteries.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. To learn more about managing heart disease, visit these Web sites:
My Risk
Certain factors increase your risk of getting heart disease. You are at a higher risk if you are:
- A woman age 55 or older
- A man age 45 or older
- Related to someone who had early heart disease
Other risk factors for heart disease include:
- Obesity or overweight
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Heavy drinking
- Diabetes
- Lack of exercise
Take Action
There are many steps you can take to keep your heart healthy. Learn more by clicking on the links below:
Get Your Blood Pressure Checked
Lowering your blood pressure can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Get Your Cholesterol Checked
Too much cholesterol in your blood can cause heart disease or heart attack.
Take Aspirin Every Day
Taking aspirin every day can prevent a heart attack. Ask your doctor if aspirin is right for you.
Eat Healthy
Eating healthy foods can help you reduce your risk of heart disease.
Get Active
Being physically active can help your heart.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, you are putting your heart at risk.