What are the stages of heart disease?

Stage 1: Risk factors

This is the earliest stage of heart disease, and it is characterized by the presence of one or more risk factors for developing the disease. These risk factors include:

* High blood pressure

* High cholesterol

* Diabetes

* Smoking

* Obesity

* Physical inactivity

* Family history of heart disease

Stage 2: Atherosclerosis

This is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can narrow the arteries and make it harder for blood to flow to the heart. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of most heart attacks and strokes.

Stage 3: Chest pain (angina)

Chest pain, or angina, is caused by a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle. Angina is often a sign of atherosclerosis.

Stage 4: Heart attack

A heart attack occurs when a blood clot blocks a coronary artery, which is an artery that supplies blood to the heart. Heart attacks can be fatal.

Stage 5: Heart failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to the body. Heart failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure.