Cardiovascular Disease Decline Lacking for Women

The American Heart Association has warned that without improved preventive measures and early detection, the number of women affected by cardiovascular disease is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades.

Using past data from two major health surveys and population growth estimates, the association projects that the portion of women with at least one form of cardiovascular disease will increase from 10.7% in 2020 to 14.4% by 2050.

Right now, cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of death among women in the United States.

The most prevalent type of cardiovascular disease is coronary heart disease, which arises due to plaque build-up in the arteries, obstructing the delivery of oxygen-rich blood. The report highlights other forms as well, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.

Dr. Stacey Rosen, a volunteer president of the American Heart Association, described the findings as a “call to action.” Each year, the association releases scientific statements and guidelines aimed at promoting healthier lives.

While there have been significant advancements in treatments for heart disease, Rosen believes it’s time to reconsider how to enhance prevention and early detection.

The authors evaluated several years’ worth of data from both the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, which detail health, dietary habits, and healthcare costs.

By applying census forecasts for population growth, they extended these historical observations into the future.

For adult women, the prevalence rates of cardiovascular disease are expected to rise as follows:

• From 6.9% in 2020 to 8.2% in 2050 for coronary heart disease.
• From 2.5% to 3.6% for heart failure.
• From 4.1% to 6.7% for stroke.
• From 1.6% to 2.3% for atrial fibrillation.

Dr. Karen Joynt Maddox, a cardiologist who contributed to the statement, noted that the increase is partly due to an aging population.

Risk Factors Among Younger Women

Rising rates of diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure are major contributors, as these conditions elevate the risk for heart diseases.

If current trends continue, high blood pressure is anticipated to rise from 48.6% to 59.1% among adult women from 2020 to 2050.

Diabetes rates could escalate from 14.9% to 25.3%, while obesity rates might rise from 43.9% to 61.2%, according to the report.

These concerning cardiovascular risk factors are increasingly prevalent among younger women aged 20 to 40. Obesity rates in girls are expected to grow from 19.6% to 32.0%.

“This sets up a generation of girls and young women at risk for cardiovascular diseases much earlier,” Joynt Maddox emphasized.

The surveys indicated a slight drop in poor eating and exercise habits among women, alongside a continued decline in smoking. However, sleep issues are projected to increase.

Most negative trends are anticipated to affect especially girls and women who identify as Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, or multiracial.

Impact of Weight-Loss Drugs

Interestingly, the study did not factor in the rising use of GLP-1 medications, which are significant for weight loss and managing Type 2 diabetes. Research suggests these drugs can potentially reduce heart attack and heart failure recurrence risks.

However, their long-term effects on cardiovascular diseases and related factors such as obesity and diabetes remain uncertain. “The long-term safety requires ongoing study,” Rosen noted.

Moreover, many people tend to stop using these medications due to side effects, often regaining lost weight.

Access to these medications also poses challenges. “Not all communities can meet the costs for GLP-1s, which may contribute to expanding disparities in cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes,” stated Norrina Bai Allen, an epidemiologist at Northwestern University.

In the meantime, women have the opportunity to actively reduce their lifetime risk of heart issues, according to Joynt Maddox.

Regular checkups, adhering to prescribed medications, and developing healthy habits around diet and exercise are crucial—especially during pregnancy and menopause when health changes often occur.

It’s really never too late to start. “Eighty percent of heart disease risk is preventable, and it begins with awareness,” Rosen concluded.