Is there a difference between heart disease and cardiovascular disease?

The short answer is yes, there is a difference between cardiovascular disease and heart disease. Since many people aren’t aware of this, they often use the terms incorrectly.

“People commonly refer to conditions related to the heart as ‘heart disease.’ Technically, diseases of the heart and blood vessels are known as cardiovascular diseases,” explains Dr. Robert Richmond, an interventional cardiologist at Aurora Health Care. “That means all heart diseases are cardiovascular diseases, but not all cardiovascular diseases are heart diseases.”

Every 34 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association.

Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease, causing over 370,000 deaths annually in the U.S. This occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that lead to the heart, reducing blood flow. Risk factors of coronary artery disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking and inactivity. Both family history and age also play a role in a person’s likelihood of developing coronary artery disease. It can cause heart attack, stroke, heart failure and peripheral artery disease.

Heart attack

During a heart attack, a blood clot blocks part of the heart from receiving blood, damaging heart muscle in that area. Depending on the severity of the blockage, those who suffer a heart attack may receive clot-dissolving medication, balloon angioplasty with a stent or surgery.

Stroke

When a person experiences a stroke, blood vessels are blocked and may rupture, depriving the brain from the blood and oxygen it needs to function. Stroke treatment depends on the type but can include clot-busting drugs, manual clot removal and artery plaque removal.

Heart failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart doesn’t pump enough blood. This causes fluid to build up in the lungs which results in shortness of breath. While incurable, heart failure can be managed through lifestyle changes, medication and medical devices.

Peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease occurs when the heart is unable to successfully pump blood to the rest of the body due to plaque buildup in the peripheral arteries. Those with peripheral artery disease may experience muscle pain or weakness when beginning physical activity. In addition to making appropriate lifestyle changes, like eating a healthy diet and exercising, peripheral artery disease treatments can include medications and procedures.

“Regardless of the type of cardiovascular disease, there are preventive steps you can take to lower your risk,” Dr. Richmond says. “Protect your cardiovascular health by regularly visiting your doctor, monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol, remaining physically active, eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and making sure you are properly managing health conditions, like diabetes.”

Take a free online quiz to learn your risk for heart disease.