What Is Cardiovascular Disease? Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 17, 2026

Quick Answer: What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease is a group of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, [8] including narrowed vessels, heart problems present at birth, faulty valves and irregular heart rhythms [11]. It is the leading cause of death worldwide and in the U.S. [8] [5] Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medications, procedures, surgery or cardiac rehabilitation, and earlier detection makes it easier to treat. [8]

Key takeaways

• Cardiovascular disease is a group of diseases affecting your heart and blood vessels, [8] and it can affect one or many parts of them.

• It is the leading cause of death worldwide and in the U.S. [8] [5], and almost half of adults in the U.S. have at least one form of cardiovascular disease [3] [11].

• A person may be symptomatic or asymptomatic — you may feel nothing at all and still have serious cardiovascular disease. [8]

• There are many types, including arrhythmia, valve disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, aortic disease, congenital heart disease, pericardial disease, cerebrovascular disease, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). [11]

• Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco use (including vaping), Type 2 diabetes, excess weight, and lack of physical activity. [8]

• The sooner you detect cardiovascular disease, the easier it is to treat — see a primary care provider every year, and call 911 for sudden chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, limb pain or numbness, or ripping back pain. [11]

What the research says

• Lowering blood pressure cuts the risk of heart disease, stroke, and death. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 123 randomized trials (613,815 participants) found that every 10 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure lowered the risk of major cardiovascular events (relative risk 0.80, 95% CI 0.77–0.83), coronary heart disease (0.83, 0.78–0.88), stroke (0.73, 0.68–0.77), and heart failure (0.72, 0.67–0.78), along with a 13% lower risk of all-cause mortality (0.87, 0.84–0.91). The effect on renal failure was not significant (Ettehad et al., Lancet, 2016; https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)01225-8) [9].

• More leisure-time physical activity is linked to fewer cardiovascular events. A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 103 prospective cohort studies found that the highest compared with the lowest level of leisure-time activity was associated with a lower risk of overall cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio 0.81, 95% CI 0.77–0.86), coronary heart disease (0.83, 0.79–0.88), and stroke (0.83, 0.79–0.88), but not atrial fibrillation (0.98, 0.92–1.05). The protective association leveled off at about 20 MET-hours per week for overall cardiovascular disease. These are observational studies, so they show an association rather than proving cause (Kazemi et al., Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act, 2024; https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-024-01593-8) [10].

What Is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease is a group of diseases affecting your heart and blood vessels. [8] These diseases can affect one or many parts of your heart and/or blood vessels. A person may be symptomatic (physically experiencing the disease) or asymptomatic (not feeling anything at all). [11]

Cardiovascular disease includes heart or blood vessel issues, including:

• Narrowing of the blood vessels in your heart, other organs or throughout your body. [11]

• Heart and blood vessel problems present at birth. [11]

• Heart valves that aren't working right. [11]

• Irregular heart rhythms. [11]

How Common Is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and in the U.S. [8] [5]

Almost half of adults in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease. [3] [11] It affects people of all ages, sexes, ethnicities and socioeconomic levels. [11] One in three women dies from cardiovascular disease. [11]

Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease symptoms can vary depending on the cause. Older adults and women may have more subtle symptoms. However, they can still have serious cardiovascular disease. [11]

Symptoms of Heart Issues

Symptoms of Blockages in Blood Vessels Throughout Your Body

What Conditions Are Cardiovascular Diseases?

There are many different types of cardiovascular diseases. [11]

Causes of Cardiovascular Disease

The causes of cardiovascular disease can vary depending on the specific type. For example, atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in your arteries) causes coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease. Coronary artery disease, scarring of your heart muscle, genetic problems or medications can cause arrhythmias. Aging, infections and rheumatic disease can cause valve diseases. [11]

Risk Factors

You may be more likely to develop cardiovascular disease if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco use, Type 2 diabetes, family history of heart disease, lack of physical activity, excess weight or obesity, a diet high in sodium, sugar and fat, overuse of alcohol, misuse of prescription or recreational drugs, preeclampsia or toxemia [4], gestational diabetes, chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions [2] [4], and chronic kidney disease. [11]

Complications

Untreated cardiovascular disease can lead to serious complications. If you have cardiovascular disease, you may have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, acute limb ischemia (sudden blockage in your leg arteries), aortic dissection, and sudden cardiac death. [11]

How Is Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms, personal health and family health history. They may also order tests to help diagnose cardiovascular disease. [11]

Treatment for Cardiovascular Disease

Treatment plans can vary depending on your symptoms and the type of cardiovascular disease you have. [11]

Lifestyle Changes

Examples include changing your diet, increasing your aerobic activity and quitting smoking or tobacco products (including vaping). [8]

Medications

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help manage cardiovascular disease. Medication type will depend on what kind of cardiovascular disease you have. [11]

Procedures or Surgeries

If medications aren't enough, your healthcare provider may use certain procedures or surgeries to treat your cardiovascular disease. Examples include stents in your heart or leg arteries, minimally invasive heart surgery, open-heart surgery, ablations or cardioversion. [11]

Cardiac Rehabilitation

You may need a monitored exercise program to help your heart get stronger. [11]

Active Surveillance

You may need careful monitoring over time without medications or procedures/surgeries. [11]

Outlook and Prognosis

Many people enjoy a high quality of life and can manage their cardiovascular disease with the help of their healthcare team. Your chances for a positive outcome are higher if you engage in your healthcare and follow your provider's treatment plan. It's important to take medications exactly as prescribed. [11]

Prevention

You can't prevent some types of cardiovascular disease, such as congenital heart disease. [11] But lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of many types of cardiovascular disease. [8] [4]

Living With Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is often easier to treat when healthcare providers catch it early. [8] That's why it's important to see a primary care provider every year. They can detect cardiovascular issues before symptoms start. [11] If you have any signs of cardiovascular disease, you should see your provider immediately.

When to Call 911

Call 911 or seek emergency medical attention if you experience sudden chest pain, pressure, heaviness or discomfort, especially with exertion; fainting (syncope); severe shortness of breath, especially if it's new or progressive; pain or numbness in your arms/legs; or ripping or tearing back pain. [11]

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Conclusion

Cardiovascular disease is a group of diseases affecting your heart and blood vessels, and it is the leading cause of death worldwide and in the U.S. Almost half of all adults in the U.S. have at least one form of cardiovascular disease, and one in three women dies from cardiovascular disease. The condition covers a wide range of problems — narrowing of blood vessels in the heart, other organs or throughout the body; heart and blood vessel problems present at birth; heart valves that aren't working right; and irregular heart rhythms. Ten major categories include arrhythmia, valve disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, aortic disease, congenital heart disease, pericardial disease, cerebrovascular disease, and deep vein thrombosis.

Symptoms vary depending on the cause and can include chest pain, chest pressure described as a "belt around the chest," shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, fatigue, leg pain or cramps when walking, non-healing leg sores, cool or red skin on the legs, leg swelling, numbness on one side of the body, and difficulty talking, seeing or walking. Older adults and women may have more subtle symptoms. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco use (including vaping), Type 2 diabetes, family history, lack of physical activity, excess weight, a diet high in sodium, sugar and fat, overuse of alcohol, and more.

Diagnosis combines a physical exam with tests such as blood work, ABI, EKG, ambulatory monitoring, echocardiogram, ultrasound, cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, angiograms, stress tests, and cardiac catheterization. Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes and medications to stents, minimally invasive and open-heart surgery, ablations, cardioversion, cardiac rehabilitation, and active surveillance.

Untreated, it raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, acute limb ischemia, aortic dissection, and sudden cardiac death. While some types such as congenital heart disease can't be prevented, lifestyle changes — avoiding tobacco, managing blood pressure and diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a low-sodium diet, exercising 30 to 60 minutes a day, and managing stress — can reduce your risk of many types.

Many people live a full and active life with a cardiovascular disease, and earlier diagnosis helps with effective treatment. If you have any signs of cardiovascular disease, see your provider immediately, and call 911 for sudden chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, limb pain or numbness, or ripping back pain.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease is a group of diseases affecting your heart and blood vessels. [8] These diseases can affect one or many parts of your heart and/or blood vessels. [11]

What does cardiovascular disease include?

Cardiovascular disease includes narrowing of the blood vessels in your heart, other organs or throughout your body; heart and blood vessel problems present at birth; heart valves that aren't working right; and irregular heart rhythms. [11]

What is the difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic?

A person may be symptomatic (physically experiencing the disease) or asymptomatic (not feeling anything at all). [11]

How common is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and in the U.S. [8] [5] Almost half of adults in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease. [3] [11]

Who gets cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease affects people of all ages, sexes, ethnicities and socioeconomic levels. [11]

Is cardiovascular disease common in women?

Yes. One in three women dies from cardiovascular disease. [11]

Can you have cardiovascular disease without symptoms?

Yes. You may be asymptomatic and still have serious cardiovascular disease [11], which is why regular checkups matter.

What are the symptoms of heart issues in cardiovascular disease?

Symptoms include chest pain (angina), chest pressure, heaviness or discomfort (sometimes described as a "belt around the chest" or a "weight on the chest"), shortness of breath (dyspnea), dizziness or fainting, and fatigue or exhaustion. [11]

What does chest pressure from heart disease feel like?

Chest pressure from heart disease is sometimes described as a "belt around the chest" or a "weight on the chest." [11]

What is angina?

Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

What is dyspnea?

Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of breath. [11]

What are the symptoms of blockages in blood vessels throughout your body?

Symptoms include pain or cramps in your legs when you walk, leg sores that aren't healing, cool or red skin on your legs, swelling in your legs, numbness in your face or a limb (which may be on only one side of your body), and difficulty with talking, seeing or walking. [11]

Why do older adults and women need extra attention?

Older adults and women may have more subtle symptoms, but they can still have serious cardiovascular disease. [11]

What is an arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia is a problem with your heart's electrical conduction system, which can lead to abnormal heart rhythms or heart rates. [11]

What is heart valve disease?

Valve disease is tightening or leaking in your heart valves, which are the structures that allow blood to flow from one chamber to another chamber or blood vessel. [11]

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is a problem with your heart's blood vessels, such as blockages. [11]

What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a problem with heart pumping/relaxing functions, leading to fluid buildup and shortness of breath. [11]

What is peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease is an issue with the blood vessels of your arms, legs or abdominal organs, such as narrowing or blockages. [11]

What is aortic disease?

Aortic disease is a problem with the large blood vessel that directs blood from your heart to your brain and the rest of your body, such as dilatation or aneurysm. [11]

What is congenital heart disease?

Congenital heart disease is a heart issue that you're born with, which can affect different parts of your heart. [11]

What is pericardial disease?

Pericardial disease is a problem with the lining of your heart, including pericarditis and pericardial effusion. [11]

What is cerebrovascular disease?

Cerebrovascular disease is an issue with the blood vessels that deliver blood to your brain, such as narrowing or blockages. [11]

What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

DVT is a blockage in your veins, the vessels that bring blood back from your brain/body to your heart. [11]

What causes cardiovascular disease?

The causes vary depending on the specific type. Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in your arteries) causes coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease. Coronary artery disease, scarring of your heart muscle, genetic problems or medications can cause arrhythmias. Aging, infections and rheumatic disease can cause valve diseases. [11]

What is atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is plaque buildup in your arteries, and it causes coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease. [11]

What are the risk factors for cardiovascular disease?

Risk factors include high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), tobacco use (including vaping), Type 2 diabetes, family history of heart disease, lack of physical activity, excess weight or obesity, a diet high in sodium, sugar and fat, overuse of alcohol, misuse of prescription or recreational drugs, preeclampsia or toxemia, gestational diabetes, chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, and chronic kidney disease. [11]

Can pregnancy complications raise my risk?

Yes. Preeclampsia or toxemia and gestational diabetes are listed as risk factors for cardiovascular disease. [11] [4]

Can autoimmune conditions raise my risk?

Yes. Chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. [11] [2]

How is cardiovascular disease diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms, personal health and family health history. They may also order tests to help diagnose cardiovascular disease. [11]

What blood tests are used?

Blood work measures substances that indicate cardiovascular health, such as cholesterol, blood sugar levels and specific proteins. [11] A provider can use a blood test to check for blood clotting issues as well.

What is an ankle brachial index (ABI)?

ABI compares the blood pressure in your ankles and arms to diagnose peripheral artery disease. [11]

What does an EKG show?

An electrocardiogram (EKG) records your heart's electrical activity. [11]

What is ambulatory monitoring?

Ambulatory monitoring uses wearable devices that track your heart rhythm and rates. [11]

What does an echocardiogram show?

An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create an image of your heartbeat and blood flow. [11]

What is a cardiac CT?

Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) uses X-rays and computer processing to create 3D images of your heart and blood vessels. [11]

What is a cardiac MRI?

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed images of your heart. [11]

What is an angiogram?

An MR angiogram or CT angiogram uses an MRI or CT, respectively, to see blood vessels in your legs, head and neck. [11]

What are stress tests?

Stress tests analyze how physical activity affects your heart in a controlled setting, using exercise or medications, to determine how your heart responds. This type of test can involve EKGs and/or imaging tests. [11]

What is cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization uses a catheter (thin, hollow tube) to measure pressure and blood flow in your heart. [11]

How is cardiovascular disease treated?

Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, procedures or surgeries, cardiac rehabilitation, and active surveillance. Treatment plans vary depending on your symptoms and the type of cardiovascular disease you have. [11]

What lifestyle changes help?

Examples include changing your diet, increasing your aerobic activity and quitting smoking or tobacco products (including vaping). [8]

What medications are used?

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help manage cardiovascular disease. The medication type will depend on what kind of cardiovascular disease you have. [11]

What procedures or surgeries are used?

Examples include stents in your heart or leg arteries, minimally invasive heart surgery, open-heart surgery, ablations or cardioversion. These are used if medications aren't enough. [11]

What is a stent?

A stent is a mesh tube placed in your heart or leg arteries to keep them open.

What are ablations and cardioversion?

Ablations are procedures that stop abnormal heart rhythms, and cardioversion resets the heart's rhythm using a controlled electrical or medication-based approach.

What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a monitored exercise program to help your heart get stronger. [11]

What is active surveillance?

Active surveillance means careful monitoring over time without medications or procedures/surgeries. [11]

What is the outlook for people with cardiovascular disease?

Many people enjoy a high quality of life and can manage their cardiovascular disease with the help of their healthcare team. Your chances for a positive outcome are higher if you engage in your healthcare and follow your provider's treatment plan. [11]

Is it important to take medications as prescribed?

Yes. It's important to take medications exactly as prescribed. [11]

What complications can untreated cardiovascular disease cause?

Untreated cardiovascular disease can lead to heart attack, stroke, acute limb ischemia (sudden blockage in your leg arteries), aortic dissection, and sudden cardiac death. [11]

What is acute limb ischemia?

Acute limb ischemia is a sudden blockage in your leg arteries. [11]

What is aortic dissection?

Aortic dissection is a tear in the wall of the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body.

Can I prevent cardiovascular disease?

You can't prevent some types of cardiovascular disease, such as congenital heart disease. [11] But lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of many types. [8] [4]

What prevention steps can I take?

You can reduce your cardiovascular risks by avoiding all tobacco products, managing other health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet low in saturated fat and sodium, exercising at least 30 to 60 minutes per day on most days, and reducing and managing stress. [11]

How much exercise is recommended?

Exercising at least 30 to 60 minutes per day on most days can reduce your cardiovascular risk. [11]

How often should I see my doctor?

It's important to see a primary care provider every year. They can detect cardiovascular issues before symptoms start. [11]

When should I see my provider?

If you have any signs of cardiovascular disease, you should see your provider immediately. [11]

When should I call 911?

Call 911 or seek emergency medical attention if you experience sudden chest pain, pressure, heaviness or discomfort, especially with exertion; fainting (syncope); severe shortness of breath, especially if it's new or progressive; pain or numbness in your arms/legs; or ripping or tearing back pain. [11]

Can people live a full life with cardiovascular disease?

Yes. Many people live a full and active life with a cardiovascular disease [11], especially when the condition is detected and treated early.

Related Reading

• High Blood Pressure: Silent Symptoms, Serious Risks, and Proven Ways to Lower It

• High Blood Cholesterol: What Your Numbers Mean, Why It Matters, and How to Lower It

• Coronary Artery Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention — What You Need to Know

• Congestive Heart Failure: Symptoms, Stages, and How It's Treated

• Heart Attack Symptoms and Treatment: A Complete Guide

Learn more in our guide to Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) Test: Normal Levels and What High Results Mean.

References

1. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Cerebrovascular Disease. AANS. Accessed October 30, 2026. https://www.aans.org/patients/conditions-treatments/cerebrovascular-disease/

2. Kabbany MT, Joshi AA, Mehta NN. Cardiovascular Diseases in Chronic Inflammatory Disorders. American College of Cardiology – Latest in Cardiology. July 18, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20250521144115/https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2016/07/15/10/04/cardiovascular-diseases-in-chronic-inflammatory-disorders

3. American Heart Association. Cardiovascular Diseases Affect Nearly Half of American Adults, Statistics Show. AHA News. January 31, 2019. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/01/31/cardiovascular-diseases-affect-nearly-half-of-american-adults-statistics-show

4. Arnett DK, Blumenthal RS, Albert MA, et al. 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2019;140(11):e596-e646. PMID: 30879355. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000678

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Disease. CDC Heart Disease. Page last reviewed October 24, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/index.html

6. Cho L, Davis M, Elgendy I, et al. Summary of Updated Recommendations for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020;75(20):2602-2618. PMID: 32439010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.03.060

7. Virani SS, Alonso A, Benjamin EJ, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2020 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2020;141(9):e139-e596. PMID: 31992061. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000757

8. World Health Organization. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). WHO Fact Sheets. July 31, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)

9. Ettehad D, Emdin CA, Kiran A, et al. Blood pressure lowering for prevention of cardiovascular disease and death: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet. 2016;387(10022):957-967. PMID: 26724178. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)01225-8

10. Kazemi A, Soltani S, Aune D, et al. Leisure-time and occupational physical activity and risk of cardiovascular disease incidence: a systematic-review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2024;21(1):45. PMID: 38659024. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-024-01593-8

11. Cleveland Clinic. Cardiovascular Disease. Cleveland Clinic. Last reviewed September 1, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21493-cardiovascular-disease

Medical disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. Call 911 or seek emergency medical attention if you experience sudden chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, limb pain or numbness, or ripping or tearing back pain.