Heart disease diminishes people’s health and prevents or restricts even simple activities such as climbing stairs or walking. Three of the various types of heart disease include coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart failure.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease and is the leading cause of death in the U.S. in both men and women. CAD is the buildup of fatty substances (such as cholesterol) along the lining of the coronary arteries that reduces blood flow and deprives the heart of oxygen. If blood flow through the arteries is reduced, the heart muscle may not receive enough oxygen, and chest pain (angina) may result. A heart attack occurs when an artery becomes severely blocked.

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle itself -- the myocardium -- is severely reduced or stopped. The medical term for heart attack is myocardial infarction. The reduction or stoppage happens when one or more of the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle is blocked. This is usually caused by the buildup of plaque (deposits of fat-like substances), a process called atherosclerosis.

If the blockage is not treated within a few hours, the affected heart muscle will die and be replaced by scar tissue. The person suffering from the heart attack may also die. Contact a health care professional or call 911 immediately if you suspect a heart attack.

Heart Failure

Heart failure can involve the heart's left side, right side, or both sides. Each side of the heart is comprised of two chambers: the atrium, or upper chamber and the ventricle, or lower chamber. The atrium receives blood into the heart, and the ventricle pumps it where it needs to go. Heart failure occurs when any of these chambers lose their ability to keep up with the amount of blood flow.

There are many other types of heart disease. Be sure to speak with your doctor about heart health.

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