Coronary artery disease
The arteries that supply the heart become narrowed by fatty deposits. It can cause chest tightness on exertion (angina), and it is the usual cause of a heart attack. It is managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes a stent or bypass.
Heart failure
The heart does not pump as well as it should, so fluid can build up and you feel breathless or tired. Despite the name, it does not mean the heart has stopped. It is managed with medication, monitoring and lifestyle — and treatment has improved greatly.
Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
The heart beats too fast, too slowly or irregularly — atrial fibrillation is the most common. It may cause palpitations, breathlessness or dizziness, and is managed with medication and, sometimes, a procedure or a device.
Valve disease
One of the heart's valves becomes narrowed or leaky, making the heart work harder. It is followed with echocardiograms and, when needed, repaired or replaced — increasingly through minimally invasive procedures.
When to seek help
New or worsening breathlessness, chest discomfort, palpitations, or swelling of the ankles are worth getting checked. If you have severe chest pain or sudden breathlessness now, treat it as an emergency and call 999.