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What is heart disease? Why is it important?
 Heart disease and the terms used to describe it are often confusing. Heart disease refers to any disorder that affects the heart's ability to function normally. There are many forms of heart disease. Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for the past 80 years and is a major cause of disability. Heart disease also results in substantial healthcare expenditures.
The first section of this center, the Basics, defines terms commonly used in discussions of heart disease and related conditions. Also, this section provides information on some of the major types of heart conditions and diseases, including:
The What's Hot section highlights some of the most important recent research, while the Research Archives contain older research on various topics related to heart disease.
Note: Information related to stroke, also a cardiovascular disease, is located in a separate disease center.
October 6, 2009: The 2009 AFAR Scientific Conference, "The Aging Heart: A Roadmap to Cardiac Independence," explored fundamental aspects of aging and cardiovascular diseases as well as therapies currently being developed for the aging heart. Watch Dr. Roger Hajjar, featured speaker, discuss the significance of this conference for new research and therapies.
Content on Infoaging is constantly reviewed and updated by leading researchers specializing in the biology of aging and the diseases of aging. For a list of our content experts, click here.
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