AHA Warns: 6 in 10 US Women Could Have Heart Disease by 2050

The American Heart Association has issued a stark warning in a new scientific statement published in its flagship journal, Circulation, projecting that nearly 6 in 10 women in the United States will have some type of cardiovascular disease by 2050. This alarming forecast, detailed in the report "Forecasting the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in the United States Through 2050 in Women," is driven primarily by a dramatic rise in high blood pressure, with nearly 60% of women expected to have this condition compared to about 50% currently. The statement, led by volunteer chair Dr. Karen E. Joynt Maddox and supported by Association president Dr. Stacey E. Rosen, highlights that cardiovascular disease is already the leading cause of death for women, and the projected surge will be fueled by concurrent increases in other major health factors like diabetes and obesity. The report builds upon prior work by the Association and serves as a critical wake-up call, emphasizing that the future economic burden could be immense, with current costs already exceeding $200 billion annually for the over 62 million women living with CVD.

Disturbingly, the projections indicate these increases will affect women of all ages, with nearly a third of women aged 22-44 expected to have cardiovascular disease by 2050, compared to less than one in four currently. The trend is even more concerning for younger generations, as nearly 32% of girls aged 2-19 may have obesity by that time. The impact is disproportionately severe among women and girls of color, with Black women facing particularly high rates; for instance, more than 70% are projected to have high blood pressure. The report outlines specific increases for various conditions, including heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. To address this crisis, the American Heart Association emphasizes prevention through its Life’s Essential 8™ framework, which includes key health behaviors and factors. The statement also includes a call to action, urging improved prevention efforts, better management of chronic conditions, and equitable, high-quality care across all stages of a woman's life, from childhood through menopause.

The scientific statement, prepared by a volunteer writing group, is not without hope. It notes that rates of high cholesterol are expected to decline, and improvements in health behaviors like diet and physical activity are anticipated. Furthermore, simulation studies referenced in the report, including those from a related 2024 presidential advisory also published in Circulation, suggest that reducing key health factors by 10% and improving their control by 20% could cut CVD events and deaths by 17-23%. The Association argues that with current tools in digital health and new medications, there is potential to reverse these trends. The report concludes by urging every woman to understand her risk, know her numbers, and advocate for her health, reinforcing that awareness and proactive steps can make a significant difference in combating this projected epidemic of cardiovascular disease.