Heart Health: What Science Is Teaching Us About Cardiovascular Disease

Heart disease is the world’s leading cause of death, but it often develops quietly over many years before showing symptoms. Three major conditions are at the center of the problem: atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease (CAD), and high blood pressure (hypertension).

Atherosclerosis is the build-up of fatty plaques inside our arteries. When the lining of blood vessels is damaged by high cholesterol, smoking, or high blood pressure, cholesterol and immune cells slip inside, triggering inflammation. Over time, this creates hardened plaques that can rupture and

block blood flow, leading to heart attacks or strokes.

Coronary artery disease happens when these plaques narrow or block the arteries that supply the heart. This reduces oxygen to the heart muscle and can cause chest pain or, in severe cases, a heart attack. Genetics also play a role, with certain inherited traits making some people more vulnerable.

High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” damages blood vessels by putting them under constant strain. New research shows that inflammation and oxidative stress (a form of cell damage caused by unstable molecules) are key drivers of hypertension and its complications.

What Can We Do?

The good news is that lifestyle choices still make the biggest difference. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress all reduce risk. Meanwhile, researchers are uncovering new treatment targets, from drugs that restore vessel health to therapies tailored to a person’s genetic profile.

The Bottom Line

Heart disease may be complex, but the message is simple: take care of your arteries, and they’ll take care of you. Small daily choices like a brisk walk, more vegetables, or cutting back on salt add up to long-term protection for your heart.