The heart and circulatory system (also called the cardiovascular system) deliver blood to every cell in our body through a network of blood vessels. Problems to the blood vessels are common and can result in high blood pressure, poor circulation (peripheral arterial disease), atherosclerosis which is where the wall of the artery becomes thickened. Problems with the blood clotting system can result in blood clots.

The most common cause of heart disease is narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart itself and is the reason that most people have a heart attack. You are more likely to have problems with your blood vessels as you get older or if you have risk factors such as a family history of vascular or heart disease, conditions that affects the heart or blood vessels (such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol), if you have previously had a heart attack or stroke or if you have a smoking history or are obese.