What Heart Disease Really Means

Health Compare
Feb 19, 2026

From blood pressure readings to cholesterol screenings, you’ve probably had your heart checked out at regular doctor visits over the years. And that’s a good thing because heart disease can be a silent, steady problem – until it’s not. 

Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S. for over 100 years, something over half (51%) of respondents in a 2023 survey didn’t realize. 

But what is “heart disease”? And how do you prevent it, or treat it if it happens?

This American Heart Month, we’re highlighting some important stats and facts about heart health, and how you can protect one of your body’s most vital organs.

This post is for general information only and should not be considered medical advice. Talk to your health care provider about any symptoms or concerns.

What is heart disease?

“Heart disease” might make you think of heart attacks. But heart attacks are just one example of a heart problem. Like the word “cancer,” “heart disease” is actually a broad term that covers a lot of different conditions. 

These conditions fall into general categories:

• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
• Disease of the heart muscle
• Heart valve disease
• Blood vessel disease (e.g., coronary artery disease)
• Congenital heart defects (problems you’re born with)

Some people have more than one type of heart problem. But a diagnosis doesn’t always mean an emergency. Many forms of heart disease develop slowly and can be managed with the right care.

Common, not always a crisis

Heart disease is common and generally affects older adults at higher rates, according to national health data, with diagnoses rising with age:

• 9% of people aged 55 to 64
• About 14% of people aged 65 to 74
• Nearly 25% of people aged 75+

Diagnoses include everything from high blood pressure to more complex conditions. 

And while heart attacks get a lot of attention, many heart-related issues are preventable or treatable, especially when you identify and address risks early. Per AARP, heart disease may be a common problem, but it’s not inevitable.

If you do get a diagnosis, know that millions of older adults live full, active lives while managing their conditions with a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and regular checkups.

When to talk to your doctor

Doctors use tests and screenings to assess heart disease risk, but they also rely on what patients tell them. You might assume that new or unusual symptoms are just signs of aging. That’s not always the case.

Common symptoms of underlying heart problems might include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort, pressure or tightness (not always sharp pain)
• Swelling in your legs 
• Unexplained fatigue 
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• A racing, pounding or irregular heartbeat

But some symptoms aren’t as obvious, such as:

• Struggling to breathe when lying flat
• Sexual problems (vaginal dryness or erectile dysfunction)
• Waking more than once at night to pee
• Bad breath
• Fatty growths near your ankles or elbows
• Unexplained nausea

Any new, ongoing or unusual symptom is worth mentioning to your doctor. Those symptoms could point to something benign, like not getting enough sleep, or they could indicate something more serious. 

Be specific when you chat with your provider. And for more productive appointments, bring notes about when symptoms started, how often they happen, and what makes them better or worse.

How to manage heart disease

If you have heart disease, your provider will likely create a tailored plan to help you manage it. This could include a combination of medication, lifestyle recommendations, and surgery or medical intervention.

Medications

Different medications can help control blood pressure, manage cholesterol, regulate heart rhythm or reduce strain on the heart. Your doctor will prescribe medications that make sense for your situation. 

Let your doctor know about any side effects, and don’t stop (or start) any new medication or treatment without checking in with them first.

Lifestyle habits

Some heart problems require significant changes, such as stopping the use of tobacco or eliminating certain foods from your diet. But small, steady adjustments can also support heart health, including:

• Regular movement, like daily walks
• Eating more balanced, heart-healthy foods
• Getting enough sleep each night
• Managing stress

These are generally good tips for most people, even those without heart disease. And for some, lifestyle changes alone might reduce or eliminate the risk of heart disease altogether.

Medical intervention

Open-heart surgery might top the list when you think of medical treatments for heart problems, but that’s not the only option. Other procedures include catheterization, cardioversion, minimally invasive surgery, an ablation, or implanted devices. For more information and details, talk to your doctor.

Heart health and Medicare

Original Medicare includes several benefits related to heart health, including:

• An initial “Welcome to Medicare” visit 
• Yearly wellness checkups
• Blood pressure screenings
• Cardiovascular disease screenings
• Other screenings and diagnostic tests when medically necessary

Some of these might fall under preventive benefits, meaning no out-of-pocket costs. But not all of them do. Whether you have Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, check your coverage details to learn more about your benefits.

Regular checkups help doctors spot changes early, adjust medications and address concerns before they become serious.

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