Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States today. Heart disease is an umbrella for the various cardiovascular-related diseases that exist, including coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure (CHF), arrhythmias, and others.

Preventive measures are important and focus on the controllable risk factors such as exercise, diet, and smoking. Being overweight is a considerable risk, but other factors such as stress are also important.

For common risk factors, signs, symptoms, and more information:

• http://health.discovery.com/encyclopedias/illnesses.html?article=3163
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200000