Heart Disease Remains Leading Cause of Death in the U.S., Report Finds

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Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the latest report from the American Heart Association (AHA) published on January 27, 2025. In 2022, more than 941,600 Americans died from cardiovascular disease, marking a slight increase from the previous year. The age-adjusted death rate for cardiovascular disease in 2022 was 224.3 per 100,000 people, down from 233.3 per 100,000 in 2021, indicating a leveling out of the major uptick seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Key risk factors contributing to heart disease, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, are on the rise. Nearly 47% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and more than 72% have an unhealthy weight, with nearly 42% classified as obese. Additionally, over half of U.S. adults have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

The report highlights the significant impact of cardiovascular disease not only on mortality but also on the healthcare system and the economy. If current trends continue, the prevalence of hypertension and obesity is projected to affect more than 180 million U.S. adults by 2050, with the prevalence of diabetes climbing to over 80 million. This will likely lead to a 300% increase in healthcare costs related to cardiovascular disease.

Heart disease and stroke combined kill more people than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths combined, making them a critical public health issue. The AHA emphasizes the importance of addressing these risk factors through lifestyle modifications and preventive measures to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.