A concerning new report from the American Heart Association projects a significant rise in cardiovascular disease among women over the coming decades. Without improvements in prevention and early detection, the percentage of women living with some form of heart disease is expected to increase by more than a third – from 10.7% in 2020 to 14.4% in 2050. This projected increase underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to protect women’s heart health.
Cardiovascular disease is already the leading cause of death for women in the United States, encompassing conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. The new projections, based on historical data from national health surveys and U.S. Census Bureau population growth estimates, highlight a trend that is poised to worsen without intervention. The findings represent “a call to action,” according to Dr. Stacey Rosen, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health at Northwell Health in New York.
Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015-2018) and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2015-2019) to arrive at these projections. These surveys provide valuable insights into the health and dietary habits of adults and children, as well as healthcare costs and utilization. By extending historical trends into the future, the researchers were able to forecast the impact of demographic shifts and existing risk factors on women’s cardiovascular health.
Rising Risk Factors Among Women
Several factors are contributing to this projected increase. The aging of the U.S. Population is a key driver, but rising rates of diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure are also playing a significant role. The report projects that the prevalence of high blood pressure among women will climb from 48.6% in 2020 to 59.1% in 2050. Diabetes rates could increase from 14.9% to 25.3%, and obesity rates from 43.9% to 61.2%.
These risk factors are increasing across all age groups, including young women aged 20 to 40. Notably, the report projects an increase in obesity rates among girls, rising from 19.6% in 2020 to 32.0% in 2050. “This is setting up a whole generation of girls and young women to develop these cardiovascular diseases at a much earlier age,” said Dr. Karen Joynt Maddox, a cardiologist and chair of the writing group for the report, who is also a professor of medicine and public health at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
While the report indicates a slight expected decrease in the percentage of women with poor diets or insufficient exercise, and a continued decline in smoking rates, it also anticipates an increase in the number of women experiencing sleep problems. These adverse trends are expected to be more pronounced among women identifying as Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, or multiracial.
The Potential Impact of Weight-Loss Medications
The study did not factor in the growing use of GLP-1 medications, powerful treatments for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. Research has shown these medications can also help reduce the risk of heart attacks and recurrent heart failure episodes, as noted by Dr. Rosen. However, the long-term impact of these drugs on cardiovascular disease and related risk factors like obesity and diabetes remains uncertain. “Long-term safety is something that needs to continue to be studied,” she added.
Concerns also exist regarding the accessibility and sustainability of these treatments. Research indicates that some individuals discontinue use due to unpleasant side effects and subsequently regain lost weight. The cost of GLP-1 medications may be prohibitive for some communities, potentially exacerbating existing disparities in cardiovascular risk and outcomes. “Unfortunately, we could notice a widening of disparities in risk factors and cardiovascular outcomes,” said Norrina Bai Allen, an epidemiologist specializing in cardiovascular disease and director of the Institute for Public Health and Medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.
Despite these challenges, experts emphasize that women can take proactive steps now to reduce their lifetime risk of developing heart problems. Regular checkups, adherence to prescribed medications, and the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits – including a balanced diet and regular exercise – are crucial. These efforts are particularly important during pregnancy, when conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can develop, and during menopause, when cholesterol, blood pressure, and sleep patterns can change.
“It’s never too late or too early to start,” Dr. Rosen emphasized. “80% of our risk of developing heart disease is preventable, and it starts with awareness.”
Disclaimer: This article provides general health information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance on cardiovascular health.
The American Heart Association will continue to release scientific reports and guidelines based on expert consensus to promote longer, healthier lives. For the latest updates and resources on heart health, visit the American Heart Association’s website.
This article was originally published by Barbara Mantel for NBC News.
