Understanding heart disease: Types, symptoms and prevention

• Coronary artery disease
• Congestive heart failure
• High blood pressure

What to know about heart disease

A healthy heart helps you live a long and active life.

Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels can protect your heart.

Here are the main types of heart disease and how they affect you.

There are three common types:

• Coronary artery disease
• Congestive heart failure
• High blood pressure

Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) happens when the blood vessels that carry blood to your heart get blocked.

These vessels can fill with plaque, which is a mix of fat and other buildup.

When the heart does not get enough blood, it can cause:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• A heart attack

Taking care of your heart can help keep you healthy.

Congestive heart failure

Heart failure happens when the heart cannot pump blood the way it should. This is also called congestive heart failure.

There are two main types:

• Right‑sided heart failure: can cause swelling in the legs
• Left‑sided heart failure: can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, making it hard to breathe

Knowing the signs can help you get care early.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure is sometimes called the “silent killer” because most people do not feel symptoms. It can damage the blood vessels in your heart and throughout your body.

If blood flow to your heart is blocked, it may cause a heart attack. If blood flow to your brain is blocked, it may cause a stroke.

If your doctor tells you that you have high blood pressure, follow the treatment plan to stay healthy.

Managing heart disease

Here are simple ways to care for your heart:

Eat in moderation

Try not to eat too much or too little of any one type of food.

Choose healthy fats

Eat less solid fat, such as butter, margarine and shortening.

Use small amounts of oils like olive oil or canola oil.

Get protein from healthy sources

Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs and low‑fat dairy.

Eat a “rainbow” of fruits and vegetables

Different colors give your body different nutrients.

Try whole‑wheat bread and pasta.

Limit salt

Remove the saltshaker from the table and avoid adding extra salt when cooking.

This can help lower blood pressure.

Be active

Find activities you enjoy, like walking, swimming or biking.

Start slowly and build up over time.

Maintain a healthy weight

Healthy eating and regular activity can help you reach your goals.

Be patient with yourself — small steps matter.

Do not smoke

Smoking harms your heart and blood vessels.

If you smoke, quitting can make a big difference:

• Within 24 hours, your risk of a heart attack goes down
• After one year, your risk of heart disease is cut in half

You can talk with your doctor if you need help to quit.