Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. These diseases include coronary artery disease, which is characterized by the narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart; cerebrovascular disease, which involves the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels in the brain; and peripheral vascular disease, which affects the blood vessels in other parts of the body such as the legs. Cardiovascular diseases can lead to a range of symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain, and heart attacks. They are often caused by factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, and diabetes.