Heart disease: overview, types, causes, diagnosis and treatment

Types and common conditions

Heart disease encompasses several distinct disorders. Common categories include:

• Coronary artery disease – narrowing of the vessels that supply the heart muscle, often causing angina or heart attacks.
• Heart failure – a state in which the heart cannot pump effectively to meet the body's needs.
• Arrhythmias – disturbances of the heart's rhythm, from benign palpitations to dangerous ventricular rhythms.
• Valvular disease – problems with the heart valves that obstruct or leak blood flow.
• Cardiomyopathies – diseases of the heart muscle that alter its size, shape or function.

Causes and risk factors

Acquired heart disease is often multifactorial. Established risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity and advancing age. Genetic influences and infections can play roles, particularly in congenital forms or some cardiomyopathies. Socioeconomic and environmental factors also affect disease burden.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Symptoms vary by disorder but commonly include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, dizziness or swelling of the legs. Diagnosis typically begins with a clinical exam and may use tests such as electrocardiography, chest imaging, echocardiography, stress testing and coronary angiography. Blood tests, wearable monitors and genetic testing are used when appropriate.

Treatment, prevention and prognosis

Treatment ranges from lifestyle change and medications to interventions and surgery. Examples include lifestyle modification, blood pressure and lipid control, anticoagulation, angioplasty with stents, coronary bypass, valve repair or replacement, implantable devices (pacemakers, defibrillators) and heart transplantation in selected cases. Preventive measures—smoking cessation, healthy diet, exercise and management of diabetes and hypertension—reduce risk at the population level.

History and public health importance

Understanding of heart disease has evolved from early anatomical descriptions to modern imaging and catheter-based therapies. It remains a leading cause of illness and death worldwide and a major focus of clinical research and public health efforts. Care for congenital and acquired forms requires coordination across primary care, cardiology, surgery and rehabilitation services.

For concise overviews or patient resources, see reputable sources and clinical guidelines through local health services or specialist organizations: cardiac information, guidance for newborns and infants, and materials about congenital heart disease.