Heart disease is a term used to refer to diseases of the heart and blood vessel system.
Coronary heart disease is the primary concern as it is the leading killer of Americans. It is a disease of the blood vessels of the heart that causes heart attacks. A heart attack happens when an artery becomes blocked, preventing oxygen and nutrients from getting to the heart. A stroke results from a lack of blood flow to the brain, or, in some cases, bleeding in the brain. Risk factors make one more susceptible to getting heart disease.