The causes of heart disease are many which include damage to heart valves or muscles by autoimmune disorders, viral, fungal, bacterial or parasitic disease and by defects present at birth. Any illness which affects the heart muscle can be the causes of heart disease. Actual onset of heart disease is initially caused by a build up of plague, gradually calcifying, and eventually causing narrowing of the arteries. This is not to be confused with a natural thickening of the arteries due to aging and prevention of ruptures and aneurysms from occurring. Having the understanding of a healthy diet and adequate exercise will go a long way in preventing causes of heart disease, assuring that the heart maintains its vital means in sustaining life to its owner.