Cardiovascular Disease in Women Projected to Rise Sharply by 2050

Driven by increasing rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, nearly 6 in 10 women in the U.S. Are projected to have some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050, according to a new scientific statement published in Circulation, the flagship journal of the American Heart Association .

Rising Prevalence Across Generations

The projections indicate a significant increase in CVD among women of all ages. Nearly 60% of women in the U.S. Could have high blood pressure by 2050, up from approximately 50% in 2020 . Alarmingly, nearly a third of women aged 22-44 are expected to have some type of cardiovascular disease by 2050, compared to less than 1 in 4 currently . This trend extends to younger generations, with nearly 32% of girls aged 2-19 potentially experiencing obesity by 2050 .

Disparities in Cardiovascular Health

The projected increases in CVD are expected to be more pronounced among women identifying as American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic, or multiracial . This highlights the impact of adverse social determinants of health, such as poverty, low literacy, and rural residence, on cardiovascular risk.

Trends in Risk Factors and Disease

Beyond high blood pressure, increases are anticipated in diabetes and obesity, further fueling the rise in CVD. However, the report likewise notes potential positive trends. Rates of high cholesterol are expected to decline across most groups of women, and improvements are projected in health behaviors such as diet, physical activity, and smoking . Specifically, projections estimate:

• Hypertension prevalence will increase from 51.2% in 2020 to 61.0% in 2050 .
• Diabetes prevalence will rise from 16.3% to 26.8% .
• Obesity prevalence will increase from 43.1% to 60.6% .
• Hypercholesterolemia is expected to decline from 45.8% to 24.0% .
• Prevalence of coronary disease will rise from 7.8% to 9.2% .
• Heart failure prevalence will increase from 2.7% to 3.8% .
• Stroke prevalence will rise from 3.9% to 6.4% .
• Atrial fibrillation prevalence will increase from 1.7% to 2.4% .
• Total cardiovascular disease prevalence will rise from 11.3% to 15.0% .

The Importance of Prevention and Early Intervention

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women and remains their #1 health risk ” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association . The American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of addressing risk factors early in life and implementing clinical and public health interventions to manage and reverse these adverse trends. Optimal health, according to the AHA, is defined by Life’s Essential 8™: eat better, be more active, quit tobacco, secure healthy sleep, manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar, and manage blood pressure.