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Know Your Risks

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women. Determine your risk for developing CAD using this assessment tool.

Understanding Heart DiseaseSee All
Located almost in the center of the chest, the adult human heart is about the size of a fist. ...more
The heart is a pump made of muscle tissue. Its pumping action is controlled by electrical impulses. ...more
Detailed information and illustrations about the 2 coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. ...more
Detailed anatomical description of the heart valves, including simple definitions and a labeled, full-color illustration. ...more
 The Cardiologist in Understanding Heart Disease
A cardiologist is a healthcare provider who has had extra training to treat problems of the heart and blood vessels. These include heart attack and heart failure. ...more
A clinical cardiac electrophysiologist, or cardiac EP, is a healthcare provider who treats rhythm problems of the heart. Learn more about their medical training, and the tests and procedures that they do. ...more
Located almost in the center of the chest, the adult human heart is about the size of a fist. ...more
The heart is a pump made of muscle tissue. Its pumping action is controlled by electrical impulses. ...more
Detailed information and illustrations about the 2 coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. ...more
Detailed anatomical description of the heart valves, including simple definitions and a labeled, full-color illustration. ...more
 The Cardiologist in Understanding Heart Disease
A cardiologist is a healthcare provider who has had extra training to treat problems of the heart and blood vessels. These include heart attack and heart failure. ...more
A clinical cardiac electrophysiologist, or cardiac EP, is a healthcare provider who treats rhythm problems of the heart. Learn more about their medical training, and the tests and procedures that they do. ...more
Cardiac Tests & Procedures See All
Here's a look at just a few of the tests used to understand and identify cardiovascular disease. ...more
 Cardiac Procedures in Cardiac Tests & Procedures
These procedures are often used in the evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular disease. ...more
Detailed Tests & Procedure Guides
Here's a look at just a few of the tests used to understand and identify cardiovascular disease. ...more
 Cardiac Procedures in Cardiac Tests & Procedures
These procedures are often used in the evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular disease. ...more
Heart Conditions and DiseasesSee All
 Arrhythmias in Arrhythmias
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that can cause problems with the contractions of your heart chambers. ...more
 Atrial Fibrillation in Arrhythmias
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a kind of abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia. AFib increases the risk for blood clots. These clots can then travel to the brain, causing a stroke. This is why AFib significantly increases the risk for stroke. ...more
 Coronary Heart Disease in Coronary Artery Disease
Detailed information on coronary artery disease, including anatomy of the coronary arteries and disease symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information...more
 Atherosclerosis in Coronary Artery Disease
Atherosclerosis is a type of thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. It can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other circulatory conditions. ...more
An AED is a small, portable, battery-powered machine with a computer in it. The machine detects heart activity. It can give an electric shock to someone if needed. ...more
Not everyone who has had a heart attack needs open-heart surgery, such as a bypass operation. Read on to learn about other treatment options. ...more
 Heart Valve Diseases in Heart Valve Disease
Heart valves can malfunction on one of two ways: They can fail to close completely, allowing blood to flow backward, or they can become damaged, limiting blood flow. ...more
 Mitral Valve Prolapse in Heart Valve Disease
The mitral valve sits between the left atrium and left ventricle. It's job is to keep blood flowing in the right direction. Mitral valve prolapse is the bulging of the valve causing blood to leak backwards. ...more
ArrhythmiasCoronary Artery DiseaseHeart AttackHeart Valve DiseaseHeart FailureHigh Blood PressureOther Heart Conditions
 Arrhythmias in Arrhythmias
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that can cause problems with the contractions of your heart chambers. ...more
 Atrial Fibrillation in Arrhythmias
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a kind of abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia. AFib increases the risk for blood clots. These clots can then travel to the brain, causing a stroke. This is why AFib significantly increases the risk for stroke. ...more
 Coronary Heart Disease in Coronary Artery Disease
Detailed information on coronary artery disease, including anatomy of the coronary arteries and disease symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information...more
 Atherosclerosis in Coronary Artery Disease
Atherosclerosis is a type of thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. It can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other circulatory conditions. ...more
An AED is a small, portable, battery-powered machine with a computer in it. The machine detects heart activity. It can give an electric shock to someone if needed. ...more
Not everyone who has had a heart attack needs open-heart surgery, such as a bypass operation. Read on to learn about other treatment options. ...more
 Heart Valve Diseases in Heart Valve Disease
Heart valves can malfunction on one of two ways: They can fail to close completely, allowing blood to flow backward, or they can become damaged, limiting blood flow. ...more
 Mitral Valve Prolapse in Heart Valve Disease
The mitral valve sits between the left atrium and left ventricle. It's job is to keep blood flowing in the right direction. Mitral valve prolapse is the bulging of the valve causing blood to leak backwards. ...more
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Women and Heart DiseaseSee All
Women often perceive heart disease as an older person's disease that need not concern them until menopause. ...more
 Heart Attacks and Women in Women and Heart Disease
Heart attacks and their aftermath tend to be more deadly in women. Yet for many women, the warning signs of a heart attack are very subtle and easy to ignore. Read on to learn about the signs you need to pay attention to. ...more
Surveys show fewer than one in 10 women perceive heart disease as their greatest health threat. But it's the nation's number one killer, and women are its prime target. ...more
The millions of Americans diagnosed with heart and cardiovascular diseases can benefit from making healthy choices in their day-to-day lives. ...more
 Heart Attack in Women and Heart Disease
A heart attack happens when the blood supply is cut off from the heart muscle, usually because of a blood clot. Without blood and oxygen, the muscle cells are damaged and die. ...more
Women often perceive heart disease as an older person's disease that need not concern them until menopause. ...more
 Heart Attacks and Women in Women and Heart Disease
Heart attacks and their aftermath tend to be more deadly in women. Yet for many women, the warning signs of a heart attack are very subtle and easy to ignore. Read on to learn about the signs you need to pay attention to. ...more
Surveys show fewer than one in 10 women perceive heart disease as their greatest health threat. But it's the nation's number one killer, and women are its prime target. ...more
The millions of Americans diagnosed with heart and cardiovascular diseases can benefit from making healthy choices in their day-to-day lives. ...more
 Heart Attack in Women and Heart Disease
A heart attack happens when the blood supply is cut off from the heart muscle, usually because of a blood clot. Without blood and oxygen, the muscle cells are damaged and die. ...more
Diabetes and Heart DiseaseSee All
Diabetes affects the cardiovascular system, but many problems aren't apparent until a person has a heart attack or stroke. ...more
Metabolic syndrome is marked by higher levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. That's also a sign of prediabetes. ...more
Diabetes affects the cardiovascular system, but many problems aren't apparent until a person has a heart attack or stroke. ...more
Metabolic syndrome is marked by higher levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. That's also a sign of prediabetes. ...more
Congenital Heart DiseaseSee All
 Fetal Circulation in Congenital Heart Disease
Through the blood vessels in the umbilical cord, the fetus receives all the necessary nutrition, oxygen, and life support from the mother through the placenta. ...more
In most cases of congenital heart defect, the cause is thought to be a combination of genetics and environment. ...more
 Congenital Heart Disease in Congenital Heart Disease
Heart problems are the most common kind of birth defects. While children with some heart defects can be monitored by a doctor and treated with medicine, others will need to have surgery....more
Genetic DisordersHeart DefectsComplex Heart ProblemsLiving With Congenital Heart DiseaseRelated Problems
 Fetal Circulation in Congenital Heart Disease
Through the blood vessels in the umbilical cord, the fetus receives all the necessary nutrition, oxygen, and life support from the mother through the placenta. ...more
In most cases of congenital heart defect, the cause is thought to be a combination of genetics and environment. ...more
 Congenital Heart Disease in Congenital Heart Disease
Heart problems are the most common kind of birth defects. While children with some heart defects can be monitored by a doctor and treated with medicine, others will need to have surgery....more
Cardiac RehabilitationSee All
One of the most important factors in a patient's recovery is family involvement and support in their rehab. ...more
Rehab services are provided in many different places, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. Read on to learn about what to look for when choosing a rehab facility and services. ...more
 After a Heart Attack in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Over the long-term, your quality of life is tied to how severe your heart attack was and how it was treated. Beyond that, any change will depend largely on you. ...more
 Cardiac Rehabilitation in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation programs can be conducted while a person is a hospital inpatient or on an outpatient basis. ...more
One of the most important factors in a patient's recovery is family involvement and support in their rehab. ...more
Rehab services are provided in many different places, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. Read on to learn about what to look for when choosing a rehab facility and services. ...more
 After a Heart Attack in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Over the long-term, your quality of life is tied to how severe your heart attack was and how it was treated. Beyond that, any change will depend largely on you. ...more
 Cardiac Rehabilitation in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation programs can be conducted while a person is a hospital inpatient or on an outpatient basis. ...more
Managing Heart DiseaseSee All
Several kinds of medicine are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure. Here are some of the main types. ...more
These medicines are life-giving and powerful. It's important to take them just as your healthcare provider has prescribed. ...more
Participating in a disease management program gives you the chance to ask questions about exercise, medicine, diet, and other treatment options. ...more
Home blood pressure monitoring can be a good way for you and your healthcare provider to learn how your blood pressure changes during the day. Read on to learn about the two different types of home devices, along with helpful tips for buying one. ...more
The Choose My Plate plan from the federal government is a guideline to help you eat a healthy diet. ...more
The cholesterol in your blood comes from the foods you eat and your liver. Your liver makes all of the cholesterol your body needs. ...more
It's always important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program. This is especially true if you have certain health conditions. ...more
 Creating an Exercise Program in Being Active
To improve your heart and lung fitness, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise several times a week. ...more
Taking MedicationsWatching Your Blood Pressure Making Healthy Food ChoicesBeing ActiveStaying MotivatedWorking With Your Healthcare Provider
Several kinds of medicine are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure. Here are some of the main types. ...more
These medicines are life-giving and powerful. It's important to take them just as your healthcare provider has prescribed. ...more
Participating in a disease management program gives you the chance to ask questions about exercise, medicine, diet, and other treatment options. ...more
Home blood pressure monitoring can be a good way for you and your healthcare provider to learn how your blood pressure changes during the day. Read on to learn about the two different types of home devices, along with helpful tips for buying one. ...more
The Choose My Plate plan from the federal government is a guideline to help you eat a healthy diet. ...more
The cholesterol in your blood comes from the foods you eat and your liver. Your liver makes all of the cholesterol your body needs. ...more
It's always important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program. This is especially true if you have certain health conditions. ...more
 Creating an Exercise Program in Being Active
To improve your heart and lung fitness, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise several times a week. ...more
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Preventing Heart DiseaseSee All
 Making Changes to Prevent Heart Disease in Self Care
Your heart is a vital organ that keeps your body functioning. Unfortunately, many people don't treat it that way. They may not realize that their daily habits and lifestyle can overwork and damage their heart. So, take care of your heart and yourself. Start by making the following lifestyle changes. ...more
Atherosclerosis can be devastating, causing strokes, heart attacks, and death. The good news is that you can take steps to protect yourself from this disease. ...more
 Take Action to Beat Heart Disease in Risk Factors
Even if you already have atherosclerosis or have had a heart attack, there's a lot you can do to prevent future heart problems. ...more
Tips for keeping your heart healthy, from controlling your blood pressure to keeping your cholesterol in check. ...more
 How to Quit Smoking, Again in Smoking
Follow these suggestions to help you kick the habit, again--this time, for good....more
 Quitting Smoking Quiz in Smoking
No matter what your age, or how long you have smoked, giving up cigarettes is the ticket to a longer life. Find out more about the benefits of quitting by taking this quiz....more
The Choose My Plate plan from the federal government is a guideline to help you eat a healthy diet. ...more
 Cholesterol in the Blood in Diet and Nutrition
The cholesterol in your blood comes from the foods you eat and your liver. Your liver makes all of the cholesterol your body needs. ...more
Self CareRisk FactorsSmokingBlood PressureDiet and NutritionHigh Blood CholesterolOverweight and ObesityPhysical InactivityStressOther Factors
 Making Changes to Prevent Heart Disease in Self Care
Your heart is a vital organ that keeps your body functioning. Unfortunately, many people don't treat it that way. They may not realize that their daily habits and lifestyle can overwork and damage their heart. So, take care of your heart and yourself. Start by making the following lifestyle changes. ...more
Atherosclerosis can be devastating, causing strokes, heart attacks, and death. The good news is that you can take steps to protect yourself from this disease. ...more
 Take Action to Beat Heart Disease in Risk Factors
Even if you already have atherosclerosis or have had a heart attack, there's a lot you can do to prevent future heart problems. ...more
Tips for keeping your heart healthy, from controlling your blood pressure to keeping your cholesterol in check. ...more
 How to Quit Smoking, Again in Smoking
Follow these suggestions to help you kick the habit, again--this time, for good....more
 Quitting Smoking Quiz in Smoking
No matter what your age, or how long you have smoked, giving up cigarettes is the ticket to a longer life. Find out more about the benefits of quitting by taking this quiz....more
The Choose My Plate plan from the federal government is a guideline to help you eat a healthy diet. ...more
 Cholesterol in the Blood in Diet and Nutrition
The cholesterol in your blood comes from the foods you eat and your liver. Your liver makes all of the cholesterol your body needs. ...more
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Interactive ToolsSee All
 Target Heart Rate Calculator
Your target heart rate is the range at which sustained physical activity - running, cycling, swimming laps, or any other aerobic exercise - is considered safe and effective....more
 Adult BMI Calculator
Experts are increasingly urging people to know their BMI, a figure that takes into account not just weight but also height to indicate body fat....more
 Cholesterol Quiz
An excess of cholesterol can build up in the arteries, narrowing them and slowing or blocking blood flow to the heart. Take this quiz to learn more about cholesterol and its role in your health....more
Atherosclerosis, or coronary artery disease (CAD), plays a major role in the leading cause of death in this country: heart attack. Learn more about this disease and a common procedure used to treat it....more
 Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment
The questions in this assessment ask about risk factors—conditions that may put you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that the more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop diabetes....more
 Coronary Artery Disease Assessment
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women. Determine your risk for developing CAD using this assessment tool....more
 Target Heart Rate Calculator
Your target heart rate is the range at which sustained physical activity - running, cycling, swimming laps, or any other aerobic exercise - is considered safe and effective....more
 Adult BMI Calculator
Experts are increasingly urging people to know their BMI, a figure that takes into account not just weight but also height to indicate body fat....more
 Cholesterol Quiz
An excess of cholesterol can build up in the arteries, narrowing them and slowing or blocking blood flow to the heart. Take this quiz to learn more about cholesterol and its role in your health....more
Atherosclerosis, or coronary artery disease (CAD), plays a major role in the leading cause of death in this country: heart attack. Learn more about this disease and a common procedure used to treat it....more
 Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment
The questions in this assessment ask about risk factors—conditions that may put you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that the more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop diabetes....more
 Coronary Artery Disease Assessment
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women. Determine your risk for developing CAD using this assessment tool....more
MultimediaSee All
 Atrial Flutter
Atrial flutter is when the upper chambers of the heart beat too fast. Learn how it happens, and how it can be treated....more
 Cardiac Stress Test: Exercise Imaging
An exercise imaging stress test shows how well blood flows inside your heart and how well your heart pumps blood. It gives your healthcare provider more information than a non-imaging stress test....more
 Atrial Flutter
Atrial flutter is when the upper chambers of the heart beat too fast. Learn how it happens, and how it can be treated....more
 Cardiac Stress Test: Exercise Imaging
An exercise imaging stress test shows how well blood flows inside your heart and how well your heart pumps blood. It gives your healthcare provider more information than a non-imaging stress test....more
NewslettersSee All
Heart-healthy habits not only boost your well-being now, but they also set you up for better health later in life. And they’re as good for your children or aging parents as they are for you. These simple steps can help you and your loved ones maximize health at any age....more
Your healthcare provider doesn’t have a crystal ball. But there is a way they can predict the future, at least when it comes to your chances of developing heart disease....more
Two fingers on the neck, eyes fixed firmly on the watch––we’ve likely all seen someone checking their heart rate. ...more
Have you gone through menopause? If so, then experiencing certain types of stress can increase your risk for a heart arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation....more
Research shows that some diet trends may increase your risk for heart problems like cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) recently identified some of the heart-riskiest dietary patterns. These included the following:...more
When it comes to heart-healthy eating, you might be doing everything by the book—but your cholesterol numbers tell a different story. ...more
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection or SCAD is increasingly recognized as a cause of heart attacks, but the condition is not well-known. ...more
To keep you heading in the right direction, follow these targeted heart disease prevention guidelines. Read the road signs and sample a few of the recommendations: ...more
Heart-healthy habits not only boost your well-being now, but they also set you up for better health later in life. And they’re as good for your children or aging parents as they are for you. These simple steps can help you and your loved ones maximize health at any age....more
Your healthcare provider doesn’t have a crystal ball. But there is a way they can predict the future, at least when it comes to your chances of developing heart disease....more
Two fingers on the neck, eyes fixed firmly on the watch––we’ve likely all seen someone checking their heart rate. ...more
Have you gone through menopause? If so, then experiencing certain types of stress can increase your risk for a heart arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation....more
Research shows that some diet trends may increase your risk for heart problems like cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) recently identified some of the heart-riskiest dietary patterns. These included the following:...more
When it comes to heart-healthy eating, you might be doing everything by the book—but your cholesterol numbers tell a different story. ...more
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection or SCAD is increasingly recognized as a cause of heart attacks, but the condition is not well-known. ...more
To keep you heading in the right direction, follow these targeted heart disease prevention guidelines. Read the road signs and sample a few of the recommendations: ...more
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Videos (42) See All
Calculators (5) See All
Risk Assessments (17) See All