Heart Disease

A broad term for diseases affecting the structure or function of the heart.

Heart disease includes many different conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart-valve disorders, cardiomyopathies, congenital heart conditions, and some rhythm disorders.

Because “heart disease” encompasses many different conditions, its causes, symptoms, treatments, and prognosis vary widely.

QUICK FACT

Heart disease is not one disease. It is an umbrella term covering many different disorders of the heart.

COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH

Cardiovascular Disease: the broader category that includes diseases of both the heart and blood vessels.

SEE ALSO

Clinical & Educational Context

Discussed in Health Articles & Guides

Explore how "Heart Disease" is covered across our evidence-based editorial guides:

3 Articles
The Hard Parts of Medicine

Do You Need Supplements? What Medical Research Says

Preventing Heart Disease and Cancer One of the most common reasons people take supplements is to prevent major diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The Hard Parts of Medicine

Polypharmacy: What Really Happens When You Take Multiple Medicines

People are living longer As people age, they become more likely to develop conditions such as high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart...
Health in the Wild

Noise Pollution 101: Everything You Need to Know

WHO's environmental-noise guidance addresses outcomes including sleep disturbance, annoyance, hearing impairment, cognitive effects, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease.