Cardiovascular 

Cardiovascular diseases that include heart attacks, strokes, and sudden cardiac death are the result of an interruption of blood flow to the brain and heart. The primary cause of stroke and heart attack is atherosclerosis, one of the leading causes of death in the western world. However, sudden cardiac death is caused by cardiac arrhythmias and changes in heart structure, and is often of genetic origin.

A heart attack is an event during which part of the cardiac muscle sustains irreversible damage due to an abrupt and total cessation of blood flow to the cardiac muscle itself. Most often, the interruption of blood flow to the cardiac muscle is the result of the rapid formation of a blood clot, due to atherosclerosis.

A stroke is a medical emergency caused by the interruption of blood flow to one or more parts of the brain. Blood flow to the brain is often blocked by a blood clot or, as the result of atherosclerosis. The major risk factor for stroke is atherosclerosis.

Sudden cardiac death describes a sudden interruption of cardiac function, and is often called "cardiac arrest". Most cases of sudden cardiac death, due to cardiac arrhythmias and structural changes in the heart, are usually of genetic origin. A family history of sudden death or recurrent episodes of loss of consciousness may raise suspicion of a genetically transmitted tendency, and demands further evaluation.