What is heart disease?
Heart disease affects the heart or blood vessels. The most common heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which leads to heart attacks. CAD occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries (tubes that bring blood to the heart muscle), which causes the arteries to get hard and narrow. This can reduce or block blood flow that supplies oxygen to the heart.
Risk factors for heart disease
- Overweight or obese
- Lack of physical activity — for ideas on how to stay active, visit Mass in Motion.
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Smoking – for help, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit mass.gov.quitting.
How common is heart disease in Massachusetts?
- 6.2% of Massachusetts adults 35+ have heart disease.
- 8.4% of Massachusetts men 35+ reported being diagnosed with heart disease.
- 4.4% % of Massachusetts women 35+ reported being diagnosed with heart disease.
*Source: A Profile of Health Among Massachusetts Adults, 2022 (December 2023)