Heart Disease: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Heart disease is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect the heart’s structure and function. It is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives every year — including nearly 1 in 5 deaths in the United States. While it can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles, many forms of heart disease are preventable or manageable with early detection, healthy habits, and appropriate medical care.

What Is Heart Disease?

When people hear “heart disease,” they often think of coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type, which can lead to heart attacks. But heart disease covers much more than clogged arteries. It can involve problems with the heart muscle, its valves, the electrical system that controls the heartbeat, or even structural defects present from birth.

The heart’s job is to pump blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the body. If any part of the heart is not working properly, it can reduce the blood flow needed to keep the body’s organs and tissues healthy. This can cause a range of symptoms and complications, some of which can be life-threatening.

Types of Heart Disease

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – This occurs when plaque — made up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances — builds up in the arteries supplying blood to the heart. Over time, these arteries narrow (atherosclerosis), reducing oxygen supply to the heart muscle. CAD can cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and, if a blockage becomes severe or ruptures, a heart attack.

Arrhythmias – These are irregular heart rhythms that may cause the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or unevenly. While some are harmless, others can lead to serious complications such as stroke, cardiac arrest, or heart failure.

Heart Valve Disease – The heart’s four valves open and close to control blood flow. When they don’t work properly — due to infection, congenital defects, or damage from other conditions — blood flow can be obstructed or leak backward, straining the heart.

Heart Failure – Often a result of CAD or high blood pressure, heart failure occurs when the heart becomes too weak or stiff to pump blood effectively. Symptoms include swelling, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

Cardiomyopathy – A disease of the heart muscle where it becomes stretched, thickened, or stiff. Causes include genetic conditions, infections, certain medications (including some cancer treatments), and excessive alcohol use.

Congenital Heart Disease – Structural problems present at birth, such as holes in the heart’s walls, abnormal valves, or unusual connections between major arteries. These defects can range from mild to life-threatening and may require surgery early in life or later on.Pericardial Disease – Conditions affecting the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. Inflammation (pericarditis) can result from infection, autoimmune disease, or injury.

Causes and Risk Factors

Heart disease can be caused by a combination of genetic, medical, and lifestyle factors.
Medical conditions that raise the risk include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, an unhealthy diet high in saturated fat or sodium, physical inactivity, excess alcohol consumption, and chronic stress also play a major role.
Some risk factors can’t be changed, including age, sex, family history, and certain ethnic backgrounds (such as South Asian, African, or Indigenous heritage).

Symptoms

The symptoms of heart disease depend on the type and severity of the condition. CAD may cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and discomfort in the arms, neck, or jaw. Arrhythmias can cause palpitations, dizziness, or fainting. Heart failure may lead to swelling in the legs and ankles, persistent fatigue, and difficulty breathing, even at rest.
Some forms, such as congenital defects, may cause blue-tinged skin in babies or swelling around the eyes. In some cases, heart disease causes no symptoms at all until a serious event, like a heart attack or stroke, occurs.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing heart disease often begins with a physical exam and discussion of personal and family medical history. Tests may include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the heart’s electrical activity
• Echocardiogram to visualize heart structure and movement
• Stress tests to assess performance under exertion
• Blood tests for cholesterol, sugar, and markers of heart damage
• Cardiac catheterization or CT scans to examine arteries and blood flow

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of heart disease and its severity. In many cases, doctors begin with lifestyle changes: adopting a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing stress.

Medications may be prescribed to:

• Lower blood pressure (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics)
• Reduce cholesterol (statins and other lipid-lowering drugs)
• Prevent clots (antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants)
• Control heart rhythm (antiarrhythmic medications)

Procedures and surgeries may be needed for more serious cases, including:

• Coronary angioplasty and stent placement
• Heart valve repair or replacement
• Bypass surgery to reroute blood flow around blockages
• Pacemaker or defibrillator implantation
• Heart transplant in severe, end-stage heart failure

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation programs help people recover from heart attacks, surgeries, or chronic heart conditions. These programs combine supervised exercise, nutritional counseling, stress management, and education to improve long-term heart health and reduce the risk of future problems.

Emotional support is also important. Many people feel anxious or depressed after a heart diagnosis, and joining a support group or talking with a counselor can make a significant difference

Prevention

While not all heart disease is preventable, the risk can be greatly reduced by:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
• Limiting saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and added sugars
• Exercising regularly — at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
• Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar through lifestyle and medication if needed

Prevention

While not all heart disease is preventable, the risk can be greatly reduced by:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
• Limiting saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and added sugars
• Exercising regularly — at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
• Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar through lifestyle and medication if needed

Heart disease may be serious, but it’s not inevitable. With early detection, healthy habits, and modern medical care, many people with heart disease can lead long, active, and fulfilling lives. Taking steps today to protect your heart can make all the difference tomorrow.