The American Heart Association has issued a stark warning: the threat of heart disease and stroke is growing substantially among women and girls, with 6 in 10 U.S. women projected to have at least one type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050. This forecast, detailed in a new scientific statement published in Circulation, the association's peer-reviewed flagship journal, points to rising rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity as key drivers. Nearly 32% of girls ages 2-19 may have obesity by 2050, highlighting the impact even on younger generations.
Findings from the report indicate increases among women for all types of CVD, including heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and stroke. "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 and executive director of the Katz Institute for Women's Health and senior vice president of women's health at Northwell Health. "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." Dr. Rosen noted that the impact is even greater among those experiencing adverse social determinants of health such as poverty, low literacy, rural residence and other psychosocial stressors. "Identifying the types of trends outlined in this report is critical to making meaningful changes that can reverse this course."
However, there is positive news: Rates of high cholesterol are expected to decline among nearly all groups of women, and improvements are expected in some health behaviors that impact CVD, including healthier eating, more physical activity and less smoking. The most efficient and effective way to reduce the prevalence of CVD is through prevention, prioritizing optimal health through the four health behaviors (eat better, be more active, quit tobacco and get healthy sleep) and four health factors (manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar and manage blood pressure) that comprise the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8.
Health behaviors can be promoted through healthy choices in places where people learn, live and receive care, such as schools, community centers, pediatric clinics and gynecology offices. Digital tools can encourage and reinforce positive lifestyle changes. Managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity early can make a difference, especially for women at higher risk. Working with health care teams to prioritize long-term support, including early check-ins, team-based care and digital tools that make care easier to access, is crucial.
Each life stage offers an opportunity to spot risks early and protect heart health. For example, pediatricians should know that early menstrual periods can signal higher future cardiovascular risk. Coordinated care across specialties should be integrated before, during and after pregnancy. Research should continue to explore how lifestyle changes and hormone therapy around menopause impact women's heart health. Health systems should consider how social challenges – like access to healthy food, transportation or safe housing – combine with medical risks, designing interventions that improve heart health in each setting. To access the full report and find more advice for a healthy heart, visit Heart.org.
