Heart diseases, also known as cardiovascular diseases, encompass a variety of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Common heart diseases include coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, and congenital heart defects.

Coronary artery disease is caused by the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This can lead to angina (chest pain) and heart attacks. Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, resulting in fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats that can be too fast, too slow, or erratic, potentially leading to palpitations, dizziness, or fainting.

Valvular heart disease involves damage to one or more of the heart valves, which can disrupt normal blood flow and lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swollen ankles. Congenital heart defects are structural problems present at birth that can affect how blood flows through the heart and the rest of the body.