What Is Heart Disease?What Is Heart Disease?

You asked. We answer. Here's an easy-to-read, illustrated guide to heart disease.

Men and Heart Disease

When you think of heart disease in men, usually people think of coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries leading to the heart) and heart attack. But coronary artery disease is just one of many types of heart disease.

Women and Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women over 40 years old, especially after menopause. And the risk of heart disease in women continues to increase with age.

What Causes Heart Disease?

Most heart attacks are the end result of coronary heart disease, a condition that clogs coronary arteries with fatty, calcified plaques.

Atherosclerosis and Heart Disease

Atherosclerosis -- hardening of the arteries -- occurs when your blood vessel walls thicken due to deposits of fat and plaque. This narrowing or blockage of the arteries causes heart disease.

Atherosclerosis vs. Arteriosclerosis

Find out the differences between atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, and discover the signs, treatments, and how it may affect health.

Are You at Risk?Are You at Risk?Heart Palpitations and Heart Disease Risk

Heart palpitations are a feeling that your heart is beating too hard or too fast, skipping a beat, or fluttering. Find out when they're a heart disease risk here.

Homocysteine

Your doctor may be tracking your homocysteine level. Click here to find out why.

CRP and Heart Disease

Your doctor may also be tracking your CRP level. Click here to find out why.

Metabolic Syndrome

This cluster of risk factors increases the risk of heart disease. Read more and see how you can improve your heart health.

Coronary Artery Disease and Women

Certain aspects of coronary artery disease (CAD) can be different for women compared with men. Here’s what you need to know.

PreventionPreventionLower Your Chances of Heart Disease

Here's where to learn how to deal with heart disease risk factors so you can have the best chance at avoiding heart disease.

Lower Your Cholesterol

Good HDL cholesterol, bad LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol: Here's where to find out what they mean for heart disease, and what you can do about it.

Lower Your High Blood Pressure

Click here to learn why you need to keep track of your blood pressure -- and how to lower high blood pressure.

Quit Smoking

You know it's bad for your lungs. It hurts your heart, too. Don't click your lighter before clicking here.

The Link Between Stress and Heart Disease

Stress itself isn't so bad -- it's all in how you handle it. Here are some helpful tips.

Alcohol and Heart Disease

What's the buzz on booze? The news isn't bad for moderate drinkers. Here's why.

Antioxidants for Heart Health

Vitamin E is an antioxidant -- one of those substances that fight dangerous free radicals. Can they help you avoid heart disease? Click here for more information.

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