Heart disease is often called the “silent killer” because it can strike without warning and rob you of years of life.

In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for more than 600,000 deaths each year.

What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your heart become narrowed or blocked.

This can lead to chest pain, heart attack, and other serious complications.

What Causes Heart Disease?

There are many factors that can contribute to the development of heart disease. Some of the most common risk factors include:.

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Obesity
A sedentary lifestyle

Other factors that can increase your risk of heart disease include age, gender, family history, and race.

Men are generally at a higher risk than women, and people of African American, Hispanic, and Native American descent are more likely to develop heart disease than those of other races.

How Is Heart Disease Diagnosed?

There are several tests that can be used to diagnose heart disease, including:.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Echocardiogram (echo)
Stress test
Blood tests
Chest X-ray
Cardiac catheterization

How Is Heart Disease Treated?

Treatment for heart disease depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Some common treatments include:.

Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, smoking cessation)
Medications (to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, or prevent blood clots)
Surgery (to restore blood flow to the heart, repair or replace heart valves, or implant devices to regulate heart rhythms)

In some cases, heart disease may be so advanced that treatment is no longer effective. In these situations, palliative care may be recommended to improve quality of life and manage symptoms.

How Can Heart Disease Be Prevented?

Although there is no surefire way to prevent heart disease, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk:.

Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a healthy diet
Exercise regularly
Avoid smoking
Control your blood pressure and cholesterol
Manage your stress

In addition, it’s important to get regular check-ups and screenings to detect any early warning signs of heart disease.

The Bottom Line

Heart disease is a serious and potentially deadly condition that affects millions of people every year.

By understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for heart disease, you can take steps to protect your heart and live a long and healthy life.