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Heart disease, when left untreated, is the number one killer of adults in the western world. Properly treated, however, it can be a manageable condition. The actual term “heart disease” is an all-inclusive term for a variety of heart conditions, including coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, hypertensive heart disease, inflammatory heart disease, and valvular heart disease, among others.

There are many contributing factors to heart disease, including smoking, heredity, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Other risk factors for heart disease include: high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes.

Cardiovascular disease includes a number of conditions affecting the structures or function of the heart. They can include:

• Coronary artery disease (including heart attack)
• Abnormal heart rhythms or arrythmias
• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)
• Pericardial disease
• Aorta disease and Marfan syndrome
• Vascular disease (blood vessel disease)

If you have cardiovascular disease, you can live a healthier, more active life by learning about your disease.The following guide is designed to help you navigate your journey with the best information and resources that have helped other survivors when they faced the same challenge.

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