Americans are facing heart failure at a younger age, underscoring the urgency of preventative measures.
- Approximately 10% of Americans are at risk of developing heart failure.
- A 2024 study in JAMA Cardiology indicates Americans are dying from heart failure more than 25 years earlier than before.
- Key prevention strategies include managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.
- A plant-based DASH diet and regular aerobic exercise are crucial for heart health.
NEW YORK, July 24, 2025 — Heart failure, a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, is impacting Americans at a disturbingly early age. A June 2024 study published in JAMA Cardiology revealed that Americans are losing their lives to heart failure over 25 years earlier than in the past.
Dr. Mande R. Mehra, a professor of Cardiology at Harvard Medical Faculty and Executive Director of the Advanced Heart Diseases Center at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, notes the difficulty in pinpointing the exact causes for this trend. “We have difficulty understanding the causes of this change, which makes heart failure prevention work more important than ever,” he stated.
Understanding Heart Failure
Heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped; rather, it signifies a decline in the heart’s pumping efficiency. This can affect the entire organ or specific sides, often originating with the left ventricle. When the left ventricle weakens or stiffens, it struggles to pump blood effectively.
Left heart failure is categorized by ejection fraction (EF), which measures how much blood the left ventricle pumps with each contraction. An EF of 50% or more indicates preserved ejection fraction heart failure, while an EF below 40% signifies reduced ejection fraction heart failure. An EF between 40% and 49% represents a mixed picture with similar treatment responses.
Recognizing the Signs
Common symptoms across both types of left heart failure include fatigue, shortness of breath during exertion or when lying down, a persistent cough, and swelling in the legs and ankles. Increased swelling can also lead to rapid weight gain.
“If these symptoms do not affect daily life much, they can be associated and ignored if they do not affect their daily life too much, but it should be evaluated even if there are light or coming-out symptoms,” Dr. Mehra advised. Early detection through blood tests, electrocardiograms (ECG), chest X-rays, and echocardiograms can be critical.
The Role of Genetics
Genetic predisposition can also elevate the risk of heart failure. According to Dr. Mehra, having a parent with heart failure increases an individual’s risk by 70% compared to those without a family history. Genetic counseling is recommended for individuals with a family history of the condition.
He stressed the importance of not ignoring early warning signs like ankle swelling or a sudden decrease in exercise capacity. “If mild heart failure is detected in the early period, it can prevent intervention progression,” Dr. Mehra explained.
Proactive Prevention Strategies
The most effective approach to reducing heart failure risk lies in managing key risk factors: high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and excess weight. Controlling these also helps prevent underlying conditions like coronary artery disease and diabetes, which are major contributors to heart failure.
High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, leading to thickening of the left ventricle. High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, impeding blood flow to the heart and increasing heart attack risk, both of which elevate heart failure risk.
Excess weight increases blood volume, further straining the heart. Over time, this can cause the heart muscle to enlarge and lose function. Obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) significantly raises heart failure risk, while being overweight (BMI 25-29.9) can also contribute for some individuals.
Diet and Exercise: Your Heart’s Best Friends
Healthy eating and regular physical activity are paramount in preventing heart failure. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean proteins like chicken and fish, and nuts, while limiting salt, sugar, and red meat, can help lower blood pressure.
A 2023 study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that overweight adults following a plant-based diet lost an average of 13 pounds over 16 weeks. Dr. Mehra advocates for at least 30 minutes of daily aerobic activity for optimal heart health.
Activities like jogging, swimming, cycling, and walking are proven to lower heart failure risk. A 2024 study in JAMA Cardiology indicated that individuals walking 3,600 steps daily (approximately 1.5 miles) had a 26% lower risk of heart failure compared to those with lower step counts. “The important thing is to stay consistently active,” Dr. Mehra emphasized.
Monitoring and Management
Regular monitoring of blood pressure and LDL cholesterol is essential. If elevated levels are detected, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes, including diet and increased exercise, and medication if necessary. Treatments can include diuretics and ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers for blood pressure, and statins for cholesterol management.
