The American Heart Association has issued a stark warning: by 2050, 6 in 10 U.S. women are projected to have at least one type of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a new scientific statement published in Circulation, the association's flagship journal. The report highlights alarming increases in high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity among women and girls, with nearly 32% of girls ages 2 to 19 expected to have obesity by 2050.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women, said Dr. Stacey E. Rosen, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and executive director of the Katz Institute for Women's Health. “While many people may think conditions like high blood pressure are only occurring in older women, we know this is not the case,” Rosen said. “We know the factors that contribute to heart disease and stroke begin early in life, even among young women and girls.” The impact is especially severe for those facing adverse social determinants of health, such as poverty, low literacy, and rural residence.
Despite the grim projections, the report notes positive trends: rates of high cholesterol are expected to decline among nearly all groups of women, and improvements in health behaviors like healthier eating, increased physical activity, and reduced smoking are anticipated. The American Heart Association emphasizes that the most effective way to reduce CVD prevalence is through prevention, focusing on the Life’s Essential 8 metrics: four health behaviors (eat better, be more active, quit tobacco, get healthy sleep) and four health factors (manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar, manage blood pressure).
To promote health behaviors, the report recommends encouraging healthy choices in schools, community centers, and clinics, and using digital tools to reinforce positive lifestyle changes. For health factors, early management of chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity is critical, especially for women at higher risk. Coordinated care across specialties, including before, during, and after pregnancy, is essential. The report also urges pediatricians to recognize that early menstrual periods can signal higher future cardiovascular risk.
Social and demographic factors must be addressed as well. Health systems should design interventions that consider challenges like access to healthy food, transportation, and safe housing. “Identifying the types of trends outlined in this report is critical to making meaningful changes that can reverse this course,” Rosen said.
For more information and advice on heart health, visit Heart.org.
