Arrhythmia
May lead to heart disease, stroke or sudden death. Arrhythmias are disorders of the regular rhythmic beating of the heart. They're common — as many as 2.2 million Americans are living with atrial fibrillation (one type of rhythm problem). Arrhythmias can occur in a healthy heart and be of minimal consequence. They also may indicate a serious problem and lead to heart disease, stroke or sudden cardiac death. The goal of this site is to help the public and healthcare professionals learn more about arrhythmias, and ultimately reduce disability and death from heart disease and stroke. Do your part by learning the facts and taking the steps needed to understand and control arrhythmias.
Cholesterol
As blood cholesterol levels rise, so does the risk for cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol can be both good and bad, so it's important to learn what cholesterol is, how it affects your health and how to manage your blood cholesterol levels. Understanding the facts about cholesterol will help you take better care of your heart and live a healthier life, reducing your risk for heart attack and stroke.
To control your cholesterol, get a cholesterol screening, eat foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly and follow all your healthcare professional's recommendations.
Heart Attack
Can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle. Heart-Healthy nutrition, daily physical activity, eliminating tobacco, controlling diabetes and a commitment to follow your healthcare professional's recommendations (including for cholesterol and high blood pressure) are all part of reducing your risk and for heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Diabetes
Increases cardiovascular disease risk by two to four times. Diabetes dramatically increases a person's risk for heart disease and stroke and often is associated with other cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol disorders, obesity and insulin resistance. Unfortunately, most people with diabetes are not aware of these prevalent health risks
Heart Failure
Inhibits the heart’s ability to pump blood.If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with heart failure, it can be frightening. This is a serious condition that has no cure, but you can live a full and enjoyable life with the right treatment and active attention to your lifestyle.
The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone. Nearly 5 million Americans are living with heart failure, and 550,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. You can manage this condition, and we’re here to help. Regardless of your treatment, you need to follow all of your doctor’s recommendations and make the necessary changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle to give you the highest possible quality of life.
High Blood Pressure
The single highest risk factor for stroke. According to recent estimates, nearly one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, but because there are no symptoms, nearly one-third of these people don't know they have it. In fact, many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure. This is why high blood pressure is often called the "silent killer." The only way to tell if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Can lead to heart attack or stroke. Many people never experience symptoms and those who do often mistake the symptoms for something else, such as back or muscle problem. Learn more.
Obesity
Considered a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and heart attack. Obesity is defined simply as too much body fat. Your body is made up of water, fat, protein, carbohydrate and various vitamins and minerals. If you have too much fat -- especially in your waist area -- you're at higher risk for health problems, including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes (di"ah-BE'teez or di"ah-BE'tis), heart disease and stroke. Learn more.
Congenital Heart Disease
Defects that may not affect the heart until adulthood. Over the past few decades, there's been a revolution in caring for children with congenital heart defects. Advances in diagnosis and surgery have made it possible to fix or repair most defects, even those once thought to be hopeless. Many people with these defects are now reaching adulthood and living full, active lives.
You may now have questions about your specific problem or about employment, insurance, physical activity and childbearing. This content will help provide answers. It describes many defects and the surgical procedures used to repair them. Ongoing care needs and medical problems that can arise are covered, too.
No two people are the same. Your doctor can advise you about your specific heart defect. Reading this will help you understand what your doctor says. It also may help you to know what questions to ask your doctor.
Other Conditions
Other heart related conditions. Learn more.
