Cardiovascular Diseases | Heart Disease | Rush University Medical Center



Cardiac Electrophysiology Cardiology Cardiovascular Surgery







Diet Study Electrophysiology (Early Repolarization) Mechanical Circulatory Support Device

Cardiovascular Diseases

The cardiovascular system is made up of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), as defined by the American Heart Association, include coronary heart disease (coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease); stroke (brain attack); high blood pressure (hypertension); and rheumatic heart disease.

Ask an Expert, Outpatient Chest Pain Center at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago

About 80 million US adults have one or more forms of CVD.

Each year in the US, cardiovascular diseases top the list of most serious health problems. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death and stroke is the third leading cause of death. Stroke is also the number one cause of serious, long-term disability.

Yet studies show that nearly everyone can become heart healthy by following a healthful diet and participating in an appropriate exercise program; eliminating tobacco products; and following a routine health care plan.

Most important to combating cardiovascular diseases as the number one cause of disability and death, is early detection and early treatment.

Use the following links to access more information on cardiovascular health, the cardiovascular system and diseases that affect it:

Heart and Cardiovascular Care at
Rush University Medical Center

At Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, researchers and nurse specialists work in teams to address the full scope of heart problems, whether common or complex.

Working in state-of-the art facilities, using some of the world’s most sophisticated technology, these experts are on the leading edge of diagnosis, treatment and discovery. From preventive measures to heart transplantation, they are helping to revolutionize heart care.

For more information about cardiovascular services at Rush visit our Heart & Vascular Programs home page.

Outpatient Chest Pain Center

The Rush Outpatient Chest Pain Center is the only center of its kind in Chicago to provide patients with a cardiac chest pain evaluation and heart attack risk assessment in a single visit. With the expertise of Rush's cardiologists, you will receive a thorough assessment of your risk factors and overall heart health.

Looking for Other Health Information?

Visit our Health Information home page.
Visit Discover Rush's Web Resource page to find articles on health topics and recent health news from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. You will also find many helpful links to other areas of our site.

Looking for a Doctor?

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in caring for people of all ages, from newborns through older adults.

Just phone (888) 352-RUSH or (888) 352-7874 for help finding the doctor at Rush who's right for you.

Clinical Trials

Looking for Information About Clinical Trials at Rush for Heart Conditions?

Visit the Cardiovascular Trials home page.

Looking for Information About Clinical Trials at Rush for Other Disorders?

Visit the Clinical Trials home page.



Health Information Home Cardiovascular Diseases Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Anatomy and Function of the Coronary Arteries Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves Anatomy and Function of the Heart's Electrical System Basic Anatomy of the Heart Cardiac Conditions and Diseases Cardiac Diagnostic Tests Cardiac Procedures Cardiac Rehabilitation Carotid Artery Disease Cerebral Aneurysm Chronic Venous Insufficiency Claudication Deep Vein Thrombosis Glossary Medical Management of Vascular Conditions Metabolic Syndrome Obesity Online Resources Preventing Cardiovascular Disease Statistics Stroke (Brain Attack) The DASH Eating Plan Vital Signs