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Heart Disease FAQs
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is a term that includes several more specific heart conditions.
The most common heart disease in the US is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD
occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened
and narrowed due to the buildup of plaque. The narrowing and buildup of plaques
is called atherosclerosis. Plaques are a mixture of fatty and other substances
including cholesterol and other lipids. Blood flow to the heart is reduced,
which reduces oxygen to the heart muscle. This can lead to heart attack. Other
heart conditions include angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Find
out more about heart diseases.
What are symptoms of heart attack?
The National Heart Attack Alert Program notes these major symptoms of a heart
attack:
- Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve
discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes,
or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable
pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.
This can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw,
or stomach.
- Shortness of breath. This often comes along
with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before chest discomfort.
- Other symptoms. These may include breaking
out in a cold sweat or experiencing nausea or light杊eadedness.
What should a bystander do if they think someone is
having a heart attack?
If you think that you or someone you know is having a heart attack, you should
call 9𢴏 immediately.
Why is there a need to act fast?
Death or permanent disability can result from a heart attack. The risk of death
or permanent damage can be reduced with timely treatment. Some newer treatments
need to be given soon after the onset of a heart attack in order to be
effective. It is important to know the symptoms of a heart attack and act right
away.
What are the risk factors for heart disease?
Some conditions as well as some lifestyle factors can put people at a higher
risk for heart disease. The most important risk factors for heart disease are
high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, cigarette smoking, diabetes, and
obesity. In principle, all persons can take steps to lower their risk for heart
disease. For more information about these risk factors, please
see our section on risk factors.
What can you do to reduce your risk?
Persons can take steps to lower their risk of developing heart disease by
preventing or treating and controlling high blood pressure, preventing or
treating and controlling high blood cholesterol, by not using tobacco, by
preventing or controlling diabetes, and by maintaining adequate physical
activity, weight, and nutrition. Persons being treated for conditions or risk
factors should follow the guidance of their health care providers. See our
section on
heart disease prevention.
What is the burden of heart disease in America?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major
cause of disability. Almost 700,000 people die of heart diseases in the US each
year. That is about 29% of all U.S. deaths. In addition, heart disease is a
leading cause of disability in the US. See more
statistical information.
What is the cost of heart disease for our nation?
According to the American Heart Association, all cardiovascular diseases
together are projected to cost $403.1 billion in 2006, including health care
services, medications, and lost productivity.
What is CDC doing to address heart disease?
CDC has several programs that address heart disease. These are mostly located in
the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. They include activities
with other CDC components, other federal agencies, state health departments, and
local and tribal organizations. For more information on these programs, please
see our CDC Address
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