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Understanding Heart and Vascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease refers to disorders in your heart or any of your blood vessels. Simply stated, it has two main components:

• Diseases of the heart (cardio)
• Disease of the blood vessels (vascular)

Some common cardiovascular conditions include:

• Aneurysms
• Arrhythmia
• Arterial Blockages
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Carotid Artery Disease
• Heart Failure
• Heart Transplant
• Pulmonary Hypertension
• Stroke

There are a number of pediatric heart conditions as well. Congenital heart defects are present at birth, while other conditions can develop in children of all ages.

Some types of cardiovascular disease such as congenital heart disease, heart valve defects and aneurysms are not preventable. But many of them are.

Here are some preventive measures you can take:

• Don't use tobacco
• Eat low-fat foods, including fruits and vegetables
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week
• Control your blood pressure and cholesterol

The UCSF Heart and Vascular Center brings together cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists and other specialists to provide the most advanced and effective treatments, many of them developed right here at UCSF Medical Center.

• UCSF Heart and Vascular Center
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Heart Failure
• More Patient Education Materials

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated November 1, 2009

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.