The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects the blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood flow can cause a heart attack. Heart diseases include:

• • Blood vessel disease, such as coronary artery disease

• • Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)

• • Heart problems you’re born with (congenital heart defects)

• • Disease of the heart muscle

• • Heart valve disease

• • Coronary artery disease is a common heart condition that affects the major blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. Cholesterol deposits (plaques) in the heart arteries are usually the cause of coronary artery disease. The buildup of these plaques is called atherosclerosis (ath-ur-o-skluh-ROE-sis). Atherosclerosis reduces blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. It can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina), or stroke.

• • Coronary artery disease symptoms may be different for men and women. For instance, men are more likely to have chest pain. Women are more likely to have other symptoms along with chest discomfort, such as shortness of breath, nausea, and extreme fatigue.                               
  • Other symptoms include: 
  • Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper belly area or back and,
  • Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in the legs or arms if the blood vessels in those body areas are narrowed.                                              You might not be diagnosed with coronary artery disease until you have a heart attack, angina, stroke or heart failure. It’s important to watch for heart symptoms and discuss concerns with your healthcare provider. Heart (cardiovascular) disease can sometimes be found early with regular health checkups.