Heart Disease

“When people talk about heart disease,
they’re usually talking about coronary heart disease (CHD).
It’s also sometimes called coronary artery disease (CAD)”.1

Umbrella

What may the Heart Disease Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Cardiac Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Disease (CVD
  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
  • Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
  • Heart Conditions
  • Heart Disease/s
  • Ischaemic/Ischemic Heart Disease

Terminology

Can heart disease mean different things to different people?

In Keep Your Heart Healthy – The Basics: What Is Heart Disease? the (United States) Healthfinder.gov explain:

“When people talk about heart disease, they’re usually talking about coronary heart disease (CHD). It’s also sometimes called coronary artery disease (CAD). This is the most common type of heart disease”.2

Heart Disease

What is heart disease?

DotS the definition of heart disease may vary. The (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s definition is:

“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). CAD affects the blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood flow can cause a heart attack”.3

Coronary Heart Disease

What is coronary heart disease (CHD)?

DotS the definition of CHD may vary. In Coronary Heart Disease the (United States) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) definition is:

“Coronary heart disease is a type of heart disease that occurs when the arteries of the heart cannot deliver enough oxygen -rich blood to the heart muscle due to narrowing from the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque . It is also sometimes called coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease”.4

Types

What are different types of heart disease?

DotS different types of heart disease may include:

  • Aneurysm
  • Angina
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Cerebral Vascular Disease
  • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Coronary Heart Disease
  • Heart Attack
  • Heart Failure
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Hypertension
  • Myocardial Infarction
  • Pericardial Disease
  • Peripheral Vascular Disease
  • Rheumatic Disease
  • Sudden Death

Symptoms

What are symptoms of heart disease?

In Coronary Heart Disease: What Is Coronary Heart Disease? the NHLBI explain:

“Symptoms of coronary heart disease vary from person to person. About 1 in 20 adults aged 20 and older have coronary heart disease. But many people don’t know they have the disease until they have chest pain; the blood flow to their heart is blocked, causing a heart attack; or their heart suddenly stops pumping blood, also known as cardiac arrest”.5

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and heart disease?

Yes. In Menopause and Heart Disease the British Heart Foundation note:

“Before the menopause, women in general have a lower risk of being affected by coronary heart disease. But after the menopause, your risk increases”.6

Number One Killer

Is heart disease the number one killer of women?

Yes. In Heart Disease the the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov explain:

“Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. Some of the symptoms and risk factors for heart disease and heart attack are different for women than men. Your risk may also be different from other women. But every woman can take steps to prevent heart disease by knowing her risk factors and making healthy changes”.7

Know Your Numbers

What numbers do I need to know for a healthy heart?

In Know Your Numbers They Could Just Save Your Life Go Red for Women elaborate on:

“Talk to your healthcare provider today to learn about your Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and BMI (Body Mass Index). Your heart depends on it”.8

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have heart disease or I have a family history of heart disease?

If you think you have heart disease or you have a family history of heart disease, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Coronary Heart Disease: Diagnosis – Screening for Coronary Heart Disease the NHLBI explain:

“To screen for coronary heart disease, your provider may:

  • Assess your risk factors to help evaluate your chances of developing coronary heart disease
  • Calculate your body mass index and waist circumference to help determine whether you have overweight or obesity
  • Check your blood pressure to see whether you have high blood pressure, also called hypertension
  • Order blood tests to see whether you have high blood cholesterol, high blood triglycerides, or diabetes

Screening usually happens in a provider’s office, but sometimes screenings are offered at health fairs, drugstores, or other places. Blood samples might be collected at a provider’s office, hospital, or laboratory. Ask whether you need to fast (not eat or drink anything besides water) before the blood tests”.9

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Heart Disease?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Heart Disease?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 30 Facts About Your Heart
  2. About Heart Disease In Women
  3. Alcohol
  4. American Heart Association
  5. Answers By Heart Fact Sheets: Cardiovascular Conditions
  6. Are You At Risk of Heart Disease?
  7. Aspirin and Heart Disease
  8. BMS TV: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
  9. Be A Force for Change. Know the Signs. Get Your Heart Checked.
  10. Blood, Heart and Circulation [Topics]
  11. British Heart Foundation
  12. Cardiosmart.org [CardioSmart, United States]
  13. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)
  14. Cardiovascular Heart Disease
  15. Chronic Stress Can Cause Heart Trouble
  16. Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs)
  17. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Menopause and Heart Disease
  18. Coronary Heart Disease
  19. Coronary Heart Disease: Diagnosis – Screening for Coronary Heart Disease
  20. Coronary Heart Disease: What Is Coronary Heart Disease?
    Heart Disease
  21. Coronary Heart Disease: Women and Heart Disease?
  22. Diabetes and Heart Disease
  23. Diabetes: Your Heart and Diabetes
  24. Doing These 8 Things May Greatly Lower Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke
  25. Downloadable Recipe Collections From Heart Foundation [Australia]
  26. Exercise To Prevent Heart Disease
  27. FAQs: Heart Health for Women
  28. Facts About Heart Disease In Women
  29. Family Health History and Heart Disease
  30. Family History
  31. February Is American Heart Month
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  32. For Women: The FDA Gives Tips To Prevent Heart Disease [Food and Drug Administration, United States]
  33. Getting Serious About Heart Health: Risk Factors for Cholesterol
  34. Goredforwomen.org [Go Red for Women, United States]
  35. Healthy Lifestyle
  36. Healthy Living
  37. Heart Disease
  38. Heart Disease
  39. Heart Disease In Black Women
  40. Heart Disease In Hispanic Women
  41. Heart Disease and Women
  42. Heart Disease: About Heart Disease
  43. Heart Disease: About Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
  44. Heart Disease: About Women and Heart Disease
  45. Heart Disease: Heart Disease Risk Factors
  46. Heart Disease: It’s Not Just for Men – Questions To Ask Your Doctor
  47. Heart Disease: Preventing Heart Disease
  48. Heart Diseases – Multiply Languages
  49. Heart Health Information In Your Language: Women and Heart Disease
  50. Heart Health for Women
  51. Heart-Healthy Diet: 8 Steps To Prevent Heart Disease
  52. Heartfoundation.org.au [Heart Foundation, Australia]
  53. Herbal Supplements and Heart Medicines May Not Mix
  54. How To Prevent Heart Disease
  55. How To Prevent Heart Disease After Menopause
  56. Heart DiseaseHow Your Heart Works
  57. Know Your Numbers They Could Just Save Your Life
  58. Know Your Risk
  59. Life’s Essential 8
  60. Listen To Your Heart: Women and Heart Disease
  61. Mayo Clinic Minute: Are You Getting Enough Sleep for Your Best Heart Health? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  62. Mayo Clinic Minute: Obesity and Heart Disease [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  63. Mayo Clinic Minute: Signs of Coronary Artery Disease, How To Reduce Your Risk [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  64. Mayo Clinic Minute: Menopause and the Heart Connection [+ Video]
  65. Mayo Clinic Minute: Walking Is A Step Toward Heart Health [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  66. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is Heart Disease? [+ Video]
  67. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Understanding Heart Testing and Evaluation [+ Video]
  68. Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Heart Disease and Stroke
  69. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  70. Menopause and Heart Disease
  71. Menopause and Heart Disease
  72. Menopause and Heart Health – 4 Tips for A Healthy Heart While Your Body Is Changing
  73. Menopause and Your Heart
  74. Millionhearts.hhs.org [Million Hearts, United States]
  75. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cardiovascular Disease
  76. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Chelation for Coronary Heart Disease: What You Need To Know
  77. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [United States]
  78. Numbers You Should Know for Your Heart: What To Ask Your Doctor
  79. People Who Follow These 8 Heart Health Metrics May Live Years Longer
  80. Quit Tobacco Today [+ Video: Meet Florence – She Can Help You Quit Tobacco!]
  81. Recipes [American Heart Association]
  82. Risk Factors
  83. Smokefreewomen
  84. Stress
  85. Stress Management
  86. Symptoms That May Require A Consultation With A Cardiologist
  87. Taking It To Heart: Addressing Cardiovascular Disease In Women [+ Video]
  88. The Heart Truth
  89. The Truth About African American Women and Heart Disease Fact Sheet
  90. Understanding Heart Tests [+ Videos]
  91. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Cardiovascular Disease In Women
  92. Webinars: Previous – Cardiovascular Disease
  93. Webinars: Previous – Recommendations on Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
  94. What Is Heart Disease?
  95. Women and Heart Disease
  96. Womenheart.org [WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women With Heart Disease]
  97. World Heart Day [29 September]
    Heart Disease
  98. World Menopause Day 2023
    Heart Disease
  99. World Menopause Day 2023: Patient Information Leaflet – Cardiovascular Disease: What Women Need To Know [Multiply Languages] Heart Disease
  100. You Can Prevent Heart Disease. Yes, YOU!
    Heart Disease

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted above?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Keep Your Heart Healthy – The Basics: What Is Heart Disease? Content Last Updated: 16 December 2024. Healthfinder.gov https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/health-conditions/heart-health/keep-your-heart-healthy#panel-2 Accessed: 12 February 2025
  2. Keep Your Heart Healthy – The Basics: What Is Heart Disease? Content Last Updated: 16 August 2024. Healthfinder.gov https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/health-conditions/heart-health/keep-your-heart-healthy#panel-2 Accessed: 12 February 2025
  3. Heart Disease: About Heart Disease – What Is Heart Disease? 15 May 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/ Accessed: 12 February 2025
  4. Coronary Heart Disease: What Is Coronary Heart Disease? Last Updated: 23 December 2024. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/coronary-heart-disease Accessed: 12 February 2025
  5. Coronary Heart Disease: What Is Coronary Heart Disease? Last Updated: 20 December 2024. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/coronary-heart-disease Accessed: 12 February 2025
  6. Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease. Page Last Reviewed: 23 October 2023. British Heart Foundation https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/living-with-a-heart-condition/menopause Accessed: 12 February 2025
  7. Heart Disease. Page Last Updated: 17 February 2021. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/heart-disease-and-stroke/heart-disease Accessed: 12 February 2025
  8. Know Your Numbers They Could Just Save Your Life – Start By Knowing Your Numbers. Go Red for Women https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/know-your-numbers Accessed: 12 February 2025
  9. Coronary Heart Disease: Diagnosis – Screening for Coronary Heart Disease. Last Updated: 23 December 2024. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-disease/diagnosis Accessed: 12 February 2025
Topic Last Updated: 12 February 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 12 February 2025

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