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Heart Disease Health Center

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Heart Disease Overview

Heart disease includes conditions affecting the heart, such as coronary heart disease, heart attack, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. Keys to prevention include quitting smoking, lowering cholesterol, controlling high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising.

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Coffee May Cut Risk of Heart Rhythm Problems
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Symptoms of Heart Disease

Coronary artery disease, heart attack -- each type of heart disease has different symptoms, although many heart problems have similar warning signs. The symptoms you experience depend on the type and severity of your heart condition. Learn to recognize your symptoms and the situations that cause them. Call your doctor if you begin to have new symptoms or if they become more frequent or severe.

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

The most common symptom of coronary artery disease is angina, or chest pain. Angina can be described as a discomfort, heaviness, pressure, aching, burning, fullness, squeezing, or painful feeling in your chest. It can be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. Angina is usually felt in the chest, but may also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, throat, jaw, or back.

webMD Video

Show or hide information about video: Exercise vs. Diet   Exercise vs. Diet

Being overweight is a heart disease risk factor, but there may be something more women of all shapes and sizes should worry about.

Watch Video: Exercise vs. Diet (opens in a new window)

Show or hide information about video: Prescribing Music for the Heart   Prescribing Music for the Heart

Show or hide information about video: Detecting Women's Heart Disease   Detecting Women's Heart Disease

Show or hide information about video: At Risk for Heart Disease?   At Risk for Heart Disease?

Show or hide information about video: Top Killer of Women   Top Killer of Women