SYMPTOMS

DISEASES >> HEART DISEASES

Heart disease is a common term for a variety of diseases affecting the heart. As of 2007, heart diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States, England, Canada and Wales, killing one person every 34 seconds.

Heart disease could mean any of: coronary heart disease, hypertension, heart failure, congenital heart disease, disorders of the heart valves, heart infections, cardiomyopathy, conduction disorders and heart arrhythmias.

Following are the most common types of heart disease:

Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Coronary artery diseases are diseases of the arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of heart attacks.

Heart attack
A heart attack is an injury to the heart muscle caused by a loss of blood supply.

Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy means diseases of the heart muscle.

Congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease refers to a form of heart disease acquired during fetal development.

Key point
Most forms of cardiovascular disease are often related to preventable risk factors. Your doctor would be able to help you handle, prevent and even reverse the chances of a heart disease.