A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association, published in Circulation, warns that rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among women and girls are rising sharply, driven by increasing prevalence of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. By 2050, 6 in 10 U.S. women are projected to have at least one type of CVD, including heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or stroke. Nearly 32% of girls ages 2-19 may have obesity by 2050, highlighting the impact on younger generations.
“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women and remains their No. 1 health risk overall,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. “While many people may think conditions like high blood pressure are only occurring in older women, we know this is not the case. We know the factors that contribute to heart disease and stroke begin early in life, even among young women and girls.”
The report identifies social determinants of health such as poverty, low literacy, rural residence, and psychosocial stressors as amplifying risks. However, there is positive news: high cholesterol rates are expected to decline among nearly all groups of women, and improvements are anticipated in health behaviors like healthier eating, increased physical activity, and reduced smoking.
The most effective prevention strategy is prioritizing optimal health through the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, which includes 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).
Health behaviors can be promoted in schools, community centers, and clinics. Digital tools can encourage positive lifestyle changes. Managing chronic conditions early is crucial, especially for women at higher risk, through team-based care and accessible digital tools. Each life stage offers opportunities to spot risks: pediatricians should note that early menstrual periods can signal higher future CVD risk, and coordinated care before, during, and after pregnancy is essential. Research should explore how lifestyle changes and hormone therapy around menopause impact heart health. Health systems must address social challenges like food access, transportation, and safe housing to improve heart health in all settings.
For more information, visit Heart.org.
