Cardiovascular problems, or problems that affect the heart and blood vessels, are some of the greatest overall health problems in the United States and worldwide. Overall, heart disease, sometimes called coronary artery disease, is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United States. Heart attack, when the heart suddenly stops working, is another major problem related to cardiovascular health. And there are many more conditions that can affect the heart or blood vessels and impact cardiovascular health.