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  • Heart disease is a chief cause of death in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, the most common types of heart disease are coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, angina pectoris, hypertension and heart failure.

    Coronary Artery Disease

    Coronary artery disease, the blocking or narrowing of the coronary arteries, limits the blood supply to the heart over an extended period of time. It is the primary cause of heart attacks and strokes.

    Heart Attack

    A heart attack occurs when blood is prevented from flowing to a particular part of the heart, usually by a blood clot. If blood flow is completely restricted, the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die.

    Stroke

    Strokes occur when a blood clot prevents blood from flowing to the brain or a rupture occurs within a blood vessel that transports blood to the brain. The affected part of the brain, as well as the part of the body it controls, are then unable to work.

    Angina Pectoris

    Angina pectoris, or chest pain, occurs as a symptom of coronary artery disease when the heart muscle does not receive sufficient blood. Pain may also radiate to the shoulders, neck, arms, jaw and back.

    Hypertension

    Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is diagnosed when the force of blood pushing against the blood vessel walls is constantly over the normal range. The systolic (top) number, the pressure when the heart beats, should remain below 140 mm Hg. The diastolic (lower) number, the pressure when the heart is at rest, should remain below 90 mm Hg.

    Congestive Heart Failure

    Congestive heart failure means that your body is not getting all the oxygen it needs due to insufficient pumping of the heart. Some symptoms are edema (swelling) in the feet, ankles or legs, and fatigue that may be caused by fluid buildup in the lungs.

    Source:

    American Heart Association: Common Cardiovascular Diseases

    Medline Plus: Heart Diseases

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Heart Disease

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