Heart Disease Heart and blood vessel problems are mainly related to atherosclerosis. When blood gets clotted in the arteries due to atherosclerosis, it can block the blood flow through them and lead to a heart attack or stroke. Heart Attack A heart attack happens when blood clots formed inside the arteries block the blood flow to an area of the heart altogether. Most people generally outlive their first heart attack and resume their normal lives for many more years. However, once you have gone through a heart attack, you need to comply with the lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor and take the prescribed medications. Stroke The most common type of stroke is called ischemic stroke. It occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain gets blocked by a blood clot. If this happens, the brain cells become deprived of blood and will start to die. This results in the loss of body functions controlled by that part of the brain, such as talking or walking. Another type of stroke, called hemorrhagic stroke, occurs when a blood vessel ruptures within the brain. The main reason for this type of stroke is uncontrolled hypertension. Heart Failure Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, happens when the heart fails to meet the body’s need for blood and oxygen even though it keeps on working. This condition can worsen if left untreated. Arrhythmia An arrhythmia occurs whenever there is an abnormal change in the heart rhythm. That irregular heartbeat reduces the efficiency of your heart. There are two types of arrhythmias: bradycardia and tachycardia. Bradycardia occurs when the heart beats less than 60 times per minute, while tachycardia occurs when it beats more than 100 times per minute. Heart Valve Problems Heart problems can also occur when heart valves, which control the direction of blood flow through the heart, experience malfunctions. A faulty heart valve can allow blood into different chambers of the heart to get mixed up and compromise healthy blood circulation in the body.