How many types of heart disease are there?

Heart disease is a broad term that refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. According to the World Health Organization, the most common types of heart disease include:

1. Coronary heart disease (CHD): This is the most common type of heart disease and occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked or reduced. It can lead to a heart attack.

2. Cerebrovascular disease (stroke): This refers to conditions that affect the blood supply to the brain, such as ischemic stroke (caused by a blocked artery) and hemorrhagic stroke (caused by a ruptured blood vessel).

3. Rheumatic heart disease: This is a condition caused by inflammation of the heart muscle and valves, usually as a result of untreated streptococcal throat infection (Scarlet fever).

4. Congenital heart disease: This refers to heart defects that are present from birth.

5. Heart failure: This is a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

6. Hypertensive heart disease: This refers to heart problems caused by high blood pressure.

7. Myocarditis: This is an inflammation of the heart muscle.

8. Pericarditis: This is an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericardium).

9. Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocardium).

10. Arrhythmias: These are heart rhythm disorders, where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly.

It's worth noting that some of these conditions can overlap or occur together, and the specific type of heart disease a person has will depend on their individual circumstances and underlying medical conditions.