It's estimated that by 2050, over 61% of American adults - or more than 184 million people - will have some form of cardiovascular disease, according to a research.
The research, led by the American Heart Association, analyzed trends in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, smoking, poor diet, and inadequate sleep and physical activity. Researchers projected the prevalence of these risk factors and established cardiovascular conditions like coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and atrial fibrillation through 2050.
Key findings include:
- Prevalence of hypertension among adults is projected to increase from 51.2% in 2020 to 61.0% in 2050
- Diabetes prevalence is estimated to rise from 16.3% to 26.8% over the same period
- Obesity rates are expected to climb from 43.1% to 60.6%
- While high cholesterol is predicted to decline, it will still affect 24% of adults in 2050
The research, published in the journal Circulation also highlighted significant disparities, with certain racial and ethnic groups facing higher projected rates of CVD risk factors. For example, 69.2% of Black adults and 60.8% of American Indian/Alaska Native adults are predicted to have hypertension by 2050, compared to 61.6% of White adults.
Investigators emphasize the need for clinical and public health interventions to effectively manage, stem, and even reverse these adverse trends. With CVD already a leading cause of death in the U.S., this study underscores the critical importance of prioritizing heart health to avoid an unprecedented burden of illness in the future.