Cardiovascular disease continues to be the most significant public health crisis in the United States, with new projections indicating a troubling rise in cases over the next three decades. According to a report released Tuesday by the American Heart Association, over 60 percent of U.S. adults are anticipated to develop some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by the year 2050.
The report underscores that the most notable increase is expected in hypertension cases — commonly referred to as high blood pressure. The number of individuals affected by hypertension — a major risk factor for both heart disease and stroke — is predicted to rise from 51.2 percent of U.S. adults in 2020 to 61 percent by 2025, equating to approximately 184 million people.
Additionally, CVD diagnoses — excluding high blood pressure — are expected to jump from 11.3 percent to 15 percent within the same period. This equates to an increase from 28 million to 45 million adults. Stroke cases alone are projected to almost double, rising from 3.9 percent to 6.4 percent — affecting nearly 20 million adults, up from 10 million currently.
The report also forecasts rises in other heart conditions similar to cardiovascular disease. Coronary heart disease cases are projected to grow from 7.8 percent to 9.2 percent, and heart failure cases from 2.7 percent to 3.8 percent. Concerningly, negative heart health factors such as obesity and diabetes are also expected to increase. These factors are expected to grow from 43.1 percent to 60.6 percent and from 16.3 percent to 26.8 percent, respectively.
Health disparities among racial and ethnic groups also remain an issue. The report finds the highest projected increases in CVD among Hispanic and Asian populations, while Black adults are anticipated to experience the highest rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
