When you think of cardiovascular disease, usually people think of coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries leading to the heart), but coronary artery disease is just one type of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease includes a number of conditions affecting the structures or function of the heart and blood vessels. They can include:

• coronary artery disease (including heart attack)
• valve disease
• abnormal heart rhythms
• heart failure
• aorta disease and Marfan Syndrome
• carotid artery disease
• peripheral vascular disease (blood vessel disease)
• congenital heart disease
• hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and
• other less common types of heart disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.

It is important to learn about your heart and blood vessels to help prevent future disease. if you have cardiovascular disease, you can live a healthier, more active life by learning about your condition, treatment and how to become an active participant in your care.