When people use the term heart disease, they are often referring to atherosclerosis , or clogged arteries. Clogged heart arteries cause coronary artery disease . But heart disease can also refer to many other conditions. This is important for people to remember when they see or hear the term heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and in many other countries.
Symptoms depend on the cause, severity, and type of heart disease.
There are many causes of heart disease. High blood pressure can cause heart disease even when arteries are not clogged. The increased blood pressure can cause heart enlargement, called hypertrophy, and congestive heart failure . It also increases the risk of clogged arteries, which can further damage the heart. Congenital heart disease , which means heart disease that is present at birth, can result in a heart that has an abnormal structure or function.