What is heart disease?

February is American Heart Month. But what is heart disease? Dr. Sharonne N. Hayes, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, explains.

“The heart keeps us alive, so having heart disease can be a very important factor in how long we live,” Hayes says.

Heart disease is a big term referring to any disease of the heart. The most common cause is coronary artery disease, which refers to a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Over time, it can lead to narrowing of arteries and risk of a heart attack.

She says most coronary artery disease is preventable.

“If you’re smoking, stop. If you’re a couch potato, get up and start taking 10- or 20-minute walks every day. Bump it up. Physical activity is medicine,” she says.

Know your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, exercise and maintain normal weight. These are all ways to help reduce your risk of heart disease.

— Jason Howland, Mayo Clinic News Network