Disorders that affect the heart or blood vessels are called cardiovascular disorders. These disorders are usually divided into heart (cardiac) disorders and peripheral blood vessel disorders. Heart disorders affect the heart and the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. Peripheral blood vessel disorders affect the blood vessels of the arms, legs, and trunk (except those supplying the heart). Disorders that affect the blood vessels supplying the brain are called cerebrovascular disorders. Stroke is an example (see Stroke (CVA): Introduction).

Last full review/revision April 2006 by Paul H. Tanser, MD