a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels.
classification
coronary heart disease – a disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle;
cerebrovascular disease – a disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain;
rheumatic heart disease – damage to the heart muscle and heart valves from rheumatic fever, caused by streptococcal bacteria
peripheral arterial disease – a disease of blood vessels supplying the arms and legs;
congenital heart disease – birth defects that affect the normal development and functioning of the heart caused by malformations of the heart structure from birt
deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – blood clots in the leg veins, which can dislodge and move to the heart and lungs
risk factors
unhealthy diet
physical inactivity
tobacco use
harmful use of alcohol
common symptoms of heart attack and stroke
pain or discomfort in the centre of the chest
pain or discomfort in the arms, the left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back