Heart disease encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure and arrhythmias. It remains the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for an estimated 17.9 million lives each year, according to the World Health Organization. Its harm lies in its ability to damage the heart's function, leading to debilitating symptoms like severe breathlessness and fatigue and life-threatening events such as heart attacks and strokes. This not only places a immense burden on healthcare systems but also significantly reduces the quality of life for millions.

The formation of heart disease is often linked to both well-known and surprising factors. Common causes include atherosclerosis, where arteries harden due to plaque buildup from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and diabetes. Surprisingly, research has linked chronic exposure to traffic noise above 50 decibels to increased blood pressure and heart failure risk. Other less obvious factors include a history of migraines (particularly with aura), which elevates the risk of stroke and heart attack, and for women, reproductive factors like early menopause or miscarriage. Key symptoms to watch for include chest pain or discomfort (angina), shortness of breath, pain in the neck, jaw, or back, and irregular heartbeats.

Early detection is crucial. Key biomarkers include blood pressure, cholesterol levels (LDL and HDL), triglycerides and C-reactive protein (CRP), which indicates inflammation. Diagnostic methods range from simple blood tests and electrocardiograms (ECGs) to stress tests and angiograms. Prevention focuses on managing modifiable risk factors. This involves maintaining a heart-healthy diet low in processed foods, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and managing stress. Regular health screenings are essential for monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol.

While genetics and some surprising factors like height or environmental noise play a role, a significant portion of heart disease risk is manageable. Through consistent lifestyle choices and proactive health monitoring, the global impact of this disease can be substantially reduced.