Heart disease and stroke projected to rise among women by 2050.

The American Heart Association projects the share of women with at least one cardiovascular condition to rise from 10.7% in 2020 to 14.4% in 2050, with aging and increases in diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure cited as key drivers.

The American Heart Association released a forecast based on historical national survey data and census population projections that projects a growing burden of cardiovascular disease among women through 2050. The report combines findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey with census forecasts. Authors say aging of the population and rising rates of diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure are important contributors to the projected increase. The statement notes uncertainty about the long-term effects and access to newer weight-loss diabetes drugs and how they might change future trends. Key findings: - The association projects the percentage of women with at least one cardiovascular disease to increase from 10.7% in 2020 to 14.4% in 2050. - Projected risk-factor increases include high blood pressure rising from 48.6% to 59.1%, diabetes from 14.9% to 25.3%, and obesity from 43.9% to 61.2% among adult women. - Risk factors are rising across age groups, with obesity among girls projected to grow from 19.6% to 32.0%, and increases noted among younger women aged 20 to 40. - The study did not model widespread use of GLP-1 class drugs; authors described their future population impact as uncertain and noted access and cost differences could affect disparities. Summary: The report projects a sizable rise in cardiovascular disease prevalence among U.S. women by midcentury, driven in part by demographic change and growing rates of diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. How newer diabetes and weight‑loss medications will alter these trends is uncertain. Undetermined at this time.