What is heart disease?

People age 65 and older are much more likely than younger people to suffer a heart attack or to develop coronary heart disease and heart failure. Heart disease is also a major cause of disability, limiting the activity and eroding the quality of life of millions of older people. Heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits, or plaques, in the walls of the coronary arteries over many years. When plaque builds up inside the arteries, there is less space for blood to flow normally and deliver oxygen to the heart. If the flow of blood to your heart is reduced by plaque buildup or is blocked if a plaque suddenly ruptures, it can cause angina (chest pain or discomfort) or a heart attack. Visit our website to learn more about heart health and aging, heart attacks, and heart failure. Share this information with others on social media: People age 65+ are more likely than younger people to develop heart disease. Learn about heart disease and its warning signs on the National Institute on Aging website: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/heart-health-and-aging#heart-disease