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More Than Half of U.S. Adults Will Have Cardiovascular Disease by 2050, Study Finds
A report from the American Heart Association estimates that 61% of adults will develop a cardiovascular disease by 2050By
Vanessa Etienne
Published on June 5, 2024 06:25PM EDT
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Several studies have found links between elevated stress and cardiovascular disease.
PHOTO: THITIPORN TAINGPAN/SHUTTERSTOCK
A report from the American Heart Association — published Tuesday, June 4 — estimates that 61% of adults will develop a cardiovascular disease in the next 30 years. Additionally, total costs related to cardiovascular diseases are likely to triple to $1.8 trillion by 2050.
The association states that this anticipated rise will likely be driven by many people developing high blood pressure, which puts them at greater risk for a heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure is expected to increase from 51.2% in 2020 to 61% in 2025.
Other cardiovascular issues include heart attacks, heart failure, congenital heart disease and arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation.
This trend will also be driven by an older, more diverse population, the AHA said.
“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. “The findings of these important advisories predict a dire human and economic toll from heart disease and stroke if changes are not made. However, this does not have to be the reality of our future.”
The AHA is now calling for better access to quality and affordable health care as well as more funding geared toward 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.”
The association noted that there is hope as people continue to choose healthier lifestyles, noting that physical activity rates are improving and cigarette smoking rates are dropping. Additionally, the AHA said that greater use of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy “may lead to a sea change in our medical approach to these conditions.”
“It is extremely promising to see these health behaviors improve, as it indicates a movement by individuals taking control of their health and making positive change,” said Dr. Joseph C. Wu, AHA volunteer president. “Yet, even as we can celebrate these wins, we must realize that new challenges continue to threaten many decades of progress.”
