Skip to content
Heart disease: Causes, risk factors, and prevention

← back to heart hub

Heart disease: Causes, risk factors, and prevention

19.APR.2024

Written by Dani Roche Medically reviewed by Dr. Zara Fullerton

Heart disease is a widespread term used to describe the range of different conditions that can affect your heart. There are several different types of heart disease, each with different causes. These include:

  • Coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease

  • Congenital heart defects

  • Arrhythmia

  • Cardiomyopathy

  • Endocarditis

  • Valvular heart disease

What is heart disease and how can it be prevented?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States [1]. This disease refers to any condition that affects the heart.

While the exact causes of heart disease are unclear, several risk factors can increase your risk of developing it. Some of the most common risk factors for heart disease include:

  • High blood pressure

  • Smoking

  • High cholesterol

  • Diabetes

  • Overweight or obesity

  • Family history of heart disease

  • Older age

  • Unhealthy diet

  • Excessive alcohol use

Some simple lifestyle changes that can be made to help reduce the risk of some types of heart disease include:

  • Not smoking

  • Maintaining a healthy weight

  • Staying physically active

  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet

  • Taking control of health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes

6 types of heart disease and the risk factors 

#1 Coronary heart disease or Coronary artery disease

Coronary heart disease, also referred to as coronary artery disease is typically caused by cholesterol deposits (plaques) which can interrupt the heart's blood and oxygen supply [2].

Some risk factors associated with coronary heart disease include:

  • Smoking

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • Inactivity

  • Diabetes

#2 Congenital heart defects

Congenital heart disease is a form of heart disease caused by a defect within the heart that you’re born with. This defect can affect the way blood flows to your heart - although some may not cause any problems [3].

Some risk factors associated with congenital heart defects include:

  • Family history of congenital heart disease

  • Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes during pregnancy

  • Rubella during pregnancy

  • Drinking alcohol while pregnant

  • Smoking while pregnant

  • The use of certain medications during pregnancy

#3 Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is a problem with the heart's rhythm. According to Mayo Clinic, this occurs when the electrical impulses that coordinate the heartbeat aren’t functioning properly [4].

#4 Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a thickening of the heart muscle which can make it difficult for your heart to pump blood around the body. Types include: dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive, and arrhythmogenic.

Most types of cardiomyopathy are inherited. It can also be caused by other conditions or risk factors, but for some people, the cause is unknown [5].

#5 Endocarditis

Endocarditis is a life-threatening inflammation of the inner lining of the heart's chambers and valves. Endocarditis is usually caused by an infection [6].  

Some risk factors associated with endocarditis include:

  • Damaged heart valves

  • Congenital heart defects

  • Congenital heart defects.

  • Illegal intravenous (IV) drug use.

  • Poor dental health

#6 Valvular heart disease

Valvular heart disease refers to a disease of the heart valves, it’s commonly associated with damage to one of four of the heart valves [6]. 

Some conditions that may damage the heart valves include [6]:

  • Rheumatic fever

  • Congenital heart valve disease

  • Endocarditis

  • Other types of heart disease

Please note that the following is for educational use only and is not a substitute for medical advice. This content cannot diagnose or provide information about treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or need specific medical advice relating to any symptoms, conditions, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not delay seeking medical advice and do not disregard professional medical advice based on this content. Your healthcare provider can provide the most suitable guidance based on your situation.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Disease Facts. Online: Cdc.gov 2. Mayo Clinic. Coronary Heart Disease. Online: Mayoclinic.org 3. Mayo Clinic. Congenital Heart Defects. Online: Mayoclinic.org 4. Mayo Clinic. Heart arrhythmia. Online: Mayoclinic.org 5. NHS. Cardiomyopathy. Online: NHS.uk 6. Mayo Clinic. Endocarditis. Online: Mayoclinic.org