Is heart disease reversible?

(NewsNation) — The leading cause of death in the U.S. is heart disease, but sometimes it's a silent killer.

Not all who have it show symptoms until the worst - such as a heart attack - happens.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease encompasses multiple conditions affecting the heart. The most common type is coronary artery disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Heart disease, at times, can be symptomless until a heart attack, arrhythmia or heart failure occurs.

During a heart attack, one may experience chest pain, upper back or neck pain, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath.

During arrhythmia, one will feel heart palpitations, like fluttering feelings in the chest.

During heart failure, symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen or neck veins, according to the CDC.

Is heart disease reversible?

While heart disease cannot be cured or reversed, some of the risk factors can be managed through healthy lifestyle choices.

Primary risk factors of heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking.

Eating a healthy diet, exercising, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and managing stress are some important steps to take in preventing heart disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic.