A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association, published in the journal Circulation, warns that the threat of heart disease and stroke is growing substantially among women and girls. The projections indicate that 6 in 10 U.S. women will have at least one type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050, driven by rising rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Nearly 32% of girls ages 2-19 may have obesity by 2050, highlighting the impact on younger generations.
Findings from the report point to 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. The impact is even greater among those experiencing adverse social determinants of health such as poverty, low literacy, rural residence and other psychosocial stressors.”
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 American Heart Association emphasizes prevention as the most efficient and effective way to reduce the prevalence of CVD. They recommend prioritizing optimal health through the 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) that comprise Life’s Essential 8.
Health systems are urged to promote 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. Coordinated care across specialties should be integrated before, during, and after pregnancy, and research should continue to explore how lifestyle changes and hormone therapy around menopause impact women’s heart health.
Social and demographic factors also play a role. Health systems should consider how social challenges—like access to healthy food, transportation, or safe housing—combine with medical risks and design interventions that improve heart health in each setting. To access the full report and find more advice for a healthy heart, visit Heart.org.
