In 2002 and 2007, the survey identified sample adults who had specific forms of heart disease during the past 12 months, including angina pectoris (ANGIPECYR), a heart attack or myocardial infarction (HEARTATYR), or coronary heart disease (CHEARTDIYR). Respondents for these inquiries were limited to those whom a doctor or other health professional had ever diagnosed as having the corresponding heart condition (ANGIPECEV), (HEARTATTEV), and (CHEARTDIEV). Also in 2002, the survey identified sample adults who had congestive heart failure during the past 12 months (CONHFAILYR), again limiting the inquiry to those sample adults who had ever been diagnosed with this condition (CONHFAILEV).

The 1977 survey included a single, broad question covering all types of heart disease or heart trouble during the past 12 months. Specifically, persons age 20 and older were asked, "During the past 12 months, did you have heart disease or heart trouble?" (HEARTDISYR).