Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 429.2      ICD10: I25.10      ICD11: BC4Z

"Heart disease" and "cardiovascular disease" are often used interchangeably, but there's a subtle difference.
Think of it like this:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the broader term. It encompasses all diseases of the heart and blood vessels (the cardiovascular system).

Heart disease specifically refers to diseases that affect the heart itself.

So, heart disease is a *type* of cardiovascular disease.

Here's a breakdown:

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Includes:

Coronary artery disease (CAD): The most common type, caused by plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, leading to angina (chest pain) and heart attacks.
Heart failure: The heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
Arrhythmia: Irregular heartbeats (too fast, too slow, or erratic).
Valve disease: Problems with the heart valves that control blood flow.
Congenital heart defects: Heart problems present at birth.
Cardiomyopathy: Disease of the heart muscle, making it harder to pump blood.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Narrowing of the arteries in the limbs, usually the legs.
Stroke: Occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted.
Aortic disease: Conditions affecting the aorta, the main artery carrying blood from the heart. (e.g., aneurysm)
Venous thromboembolism (VTE): Blood clots in the veins, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
Rheumatic heart disease: Damage to the heart valves caused by rheumatic fever (a complication of strep throat).

Heart Disease (A Subset of CVD) Primarily Includes:

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Heart Failure
Arrhythmia
Valve Disease
Congenital Heart Defects
Cardiomyopathy
Pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart)
Endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart)

In summary:

Think of CVD as the umbrella term. Heart disease is what falls directly under that umbrella and refers to problems *specifically* affecting the heart. Because coronary artery disease is so common, and it directly affects the heart, the terms are frequently used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but it is important to remember that CVD is broader.

Important Note: The distinction isn't always rigidly applied in casual conversation. Often, when someone says "heart disease," they're really referring to coronary artery disease, which is the leading cause of heart attacks.

Why is this important?

Understanding the difference is crucial for:

Accurate diagnosis: Helps doctors pinpoint the specific problem.
Effective treatment: Different conditions require different approaches.
Prevention: Knowing your risk factors for specific types of CVD allows you to take targeted preventative measures (e.g., managing cholesterol for CAD, controlling blood pressure for stroke).

If you're concerned about your heart health, talk to your doctor. They can assess your risk factors, perform necessary tests, and recommend appropriate lifestyle changes or treatments.