URMC / Encyclopedia / Content Search Encyclopedia Topic Index Basic Anatomy of the Heart Anatomy and Function of the Heart's Electrical System Anatomy and Function of the Coronary Arteries Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves Cardiac Diagnostic Tests Vital Signs Cardiac Procedures Cardiac Rehabilitation Cardiac Conditions and Diseases Stroke (Brain Attack) Vascular Conditions and Diseases Preventing Cardiovascular Disease The cardiovascular system is made up of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) include coronary heart disease (coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease), stroke (brain attack), high blood pressure (hypertension), and rheumatic heart disease. Click on the links above to learn more about this topic. Medical Reviewers: Foster, Sara, RN, MPH newMentor board-certified, academically affiliated clinician