AHA study: Cardiovascular disease in women projected to rise by 2050

An American Heart Association study projects higher prevalence of multiple cardiovascular risk factors and diseases among U.S. adult women by 2050, including increases in hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that cardiovascular conditions accounted for about 1 in 5 female deaths in 2023, roughly 304,000 deaths.

A new American Heart Association study projects higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and related risk factors among U.S. adult women by 2050. The study reports that hypertension could rise from 48.6% in 2020 to 59.1% in 2050, diabetes from 14.9% to 25.3%, and obesity from 43.9% to 61.2%. It also reports increases in several cardiovascular conditions, including coronary disease, heart failure, stroke and atrial fibrillation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reported as noting that cardiovascular conditions already accounted for about 1 in 5 female deaths in 2023, or nearly 304,000 deaths. Key findings: - The AHA study reports hypertension for adult women rising from 48.6% (2020) to 59.1% (2050). - Diabetes is projected to increase from 14.9% to 25.3%, and obesity from 43.9% to 61.2% among adult women. - The study lists projected rises in coronary disease (6.85% to 8.21%), heart failure (2.45% to 3.60%), stroke (4.14% to 6.74%), atrial fibrillation (1.58% to 2.31%), and total cardiovascular disease and stroke (10.7% to 14.4%). - The CDC is reported as estimating that cardiovascular conditions were responsible for about 1 in 5 female deaths in 2023, nearly 304,000 deaths. Summary: The study’s projections indicate a higher overall burden of cardiovascular risk factors and disease among U.S. adult women by 2050. Undetermined at this time.