What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease is a progressive thickening and hardening of the walls of major arteries that happens over time. Arteries affected by cardiovascular disease can block suddenly, cutting off blood flow to the tissues down stream. Blockage of an artery supplying the heart causes a heart attack, and can cause sudden death. Blockage of an artery supplying the brain causes a stroke, which can lead to permanent disability.