61% of US Adults Will Have Cardiovascular Disease by 2050: Report
The American Heart Association warns that 61% of American adults will likely have some type of cardiovascular disease in the next 30 years as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity become more common.
Projections and Predictions
“We recognize that the landscape of cardiovascular health will change over the next three decades because of the coming tsunami of rising health care costs, an older population living longer and increasing numbers of people from under-resourced populations,” AHA CEO Nancy Brown said in a statement.
Cardiologist and health economist Dhruv Kazi predicts a “near-perfect storm” that will see the prevalence of high blood pressure increase from 51.2% to 61%, obesity skyrocket from 43.1% to 60.6%, and diabetes rise from 16.3% to 26.8%.
Cost and Impact
As a result, more than 184 million Americans will be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease by 2050, up from 128 million in 2020, according to the projections the AHA released Tuesday.
The organization said the disease will come with a $1.8 trillion price tag, which includes $1.4 trillion in direct health care costs as well as “indirect costs,” such as premature death and lost economic productivity. The AHA reports that direct health care costs for cardiovascular disease totaled $393 billion in 2020.
Heart Disease Statistics
Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the US since the AHA was founded in 1924. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death.
What is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease refers to several conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, heart arrhythmias, vascular disease, congenital heart defects, stroke and high blood pressure.
Silver Linings and Call to Action
There is some good news among the bleak estimates. The AHA expects people to become more physically active, smoking to become less popular, and eating habits to slightly improve in the coming years.
The organization says the approval of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy also “may lead to a sea change in our medical approach” to diabetes and obesity.
In the meantime, the AHA is calling for widespread access to quality, affordable health care and more funding for cutting-edge research into cardiovascular prevention and treatment.
“Our aging population calls for an enhanced cardiovascular workforce and infrastructure, including access to long-term care facilities and resources,” Brown said. “We must better support our children and their families to recognize the impact that health choices made today will influence our health for years to come.”
How to Reduce Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
- Eat a diet that emphasizes whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, nuts and seeds
- Incorporate exercise into your daily routine — adults should get 2 ½ hours of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week while kids should have an hour every day
- Quit using cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vapes
- Get more sleep — most adults need seven to nine hours a night while kids often require eight to 16 hours depending on their age
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage your cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure
Conclusion
In conclusion, the American Heart Association’s projections indicate a significant increase in cardiovascular disease cases by 2050, with a staggering $1.8 trillion price tag. However, there is hope for a better future, and by adopting healthy habits, we can reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease.
FAQs
Q: What is the leading cause of death in the US?
A: Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the US since the AHA was founded in 1924.
Q: What is the expected prevalence of high blood pressure by 2050?
A: The prevalence of high blood pressure is expected to increase from 51.2% to 61% by 2050.
Q: What is the total cost of cardiovascular disease by 2050?
A: The total cost of cardiovascular disease is expected to be $1.8 trillion by 2050, including $1.4 trillion in direct health care costs and $300 billion in indirect costs.
