Heart disease is a broad term describing conditions that affect the function of the heart. Millions of Americans have some form of heart disease. While it is fairly common, heart disease is a very serious problem, as life-threatening complications may result if the disease is left untreated.

Types of Heart Disease

Heart disease encompasses many different conditions, including:

• coronary artery disease: a narrowing of coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis—the deposition of plaques on artery walls
• angina pectoris: chest pain as a result of coronary artery disease
• myocardial infarction: a sudden stop in blood flow to the heart (heart attack)
• cardiomyopathy: a disease that directly affects the heart muscle
• congestive heart failure: a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the other organs in the body, resulting in a back-up of blood
• valvular disease: a disease of the heart's valves.

Risk Factors of Heart Disease

Certain risk factors increase the chance of heart disease, including:

• high blood pressure
• high blood cholesterol
• diabetes
• obesity
• a sedentary lifestyle
• smoking
• excessive alcohol consumption
• a high fat diet
• stress
• age
• gender
• ethnicity
• family history.

Diagnosing Heart Disease

Most types of heart disease are assessed with a variety of diagnostic tools. While tests may vary a bit in order to pinpoint a specific condition, in general the tests used to diagnose all types of heart disease are the same. Some of the tests doctors use to diagnose heart disease are:

• an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): a non-invasive test that measures the heart's electrical activity.
• a stress test: EKG readings while the patient is exercising.
• an echocardiogram: a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to produce an image of the beating heart.
• a nuclear stress test: thallium is injected into the bloodstream, then pictures are taken of the heart while the patient exercises.
• a coronary angiography: a catheter is inserted at the groin or arm and threaded to the heart. Dye is then injected into the body, allowing the doctor to see any blockages or narrowed areas in the coronary arteries.

Heart Disease Treatments

The treatment for heart disease depends on the type and severity of the disease, but often includes lifestyle changes and medications to prevent further damage to the heart. In some circumstances, surgery may be required.