What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease refers to all the diseases of the heart and circulation, including coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart attack, congenital heart disease and stroke.

The main cause of cardiovascular disease is atherosclerosis, which is when plaque builds up in the arteries.

With cardiovascular disease being the biggest killer in the world, it’s important to know its causes, the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis, and what you can do to decrease your risk.