Heart disease covers a multitude of conditions and diseases affecting the heart. As it encompasses a wide range of disorders it is understandably the leading cause of death worldwide including the United States, England and Canada. Congenital defects are heart conditions that are genetic diagnosed at birth or possibly later in life. However, many types of cardiovascular and heart disease can be prevented by healthy lifestyle choices. For example, hardening of the arteries can be caused by being overweight, poor diet, high cholesterol, lack of exercise and smoking. Other conditions, such as arrhythmia's can be caused or exacerbated by stress and too much caffeine.

Suspicious you might have a heart condition? Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, light-headedness or fainting could signal a problem and should be followed with a visit to your doctor. Risk factors include age, having a family history of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and other unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking or stress.

Learn more about the various heart diseases and conditions that could affect you or a loved one. You’ll find in-depth information on the causes, symptoms and treatment of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, heart palpitations and arrhythmia's, murmurs, high blood pressure, heart attacks and the many other diseases that affect the heart and surrounding blood vessels.