chronic heart disease

The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects the blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood flow can cause a heart attack.

Risk factors

Risk Factors of heart disease include:

Age

Growing older increases the risk of damaged and narrowed arteries and a weakened or thickened heart muscle.

High blood pressure

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause the arteries to become hard and thick. These changes interrupt blood flow to the heart and body.

Sex

Men are generally at greater risk of heart disease. The risk for women increases after menopause.

High cholesterol

Having high cholesterol increases the risk of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis has been linked to heart attacks and strokes.

Smoking

Substances in tobacco smoke damage the arteries. Heart attacks are more common in smokers than in nonsmokers

Diabetes

Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. Obesity and high blood pressure increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Complications

Complications of heart disease include:

Heart Failure

This is one of the most common complications of heart disease. Heart failure occurs when the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

Heart Attack

A heart attack may occur if a blood clot is stuck in a blood vessel that goes to the heart

Stroke

The risk factors that lead to heart disease can also lead to an ischemic stroke. This type of stroke happens when the arteries to the brain are narrowed or blocked. Too little blood reaches the brain.

Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of an artery. If an aneurysm bursts, you may have life-threatening internal bleeding.

Peripheral Artery Disease

In this condition, the arms or legs — usually the legs — don't get enough blood. This causes symptoms, most notably leg pain when walking (claudication). Atherosclerosis can lead to peripheral artery disease.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest is the sudden loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. It's usually due to a problem with the heart's electrical system. Sudden cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. If not treated immediately, it results in sudden cardiac death.