Heart disease in young women projected to rise sharply by 2050

"Based on national data between 2010 to 2020, researchers project that, by 2050, the prevalence of serious cardiovascular disease and stroke in women in the U.S. will rise from 10.7 percent to 14.4 percent—affecting more than 22 million people. And that's not counting high blood pressure."

"The study also shows an alarming uptick of disease in younger women: nearly a third of all women between age 22 and 44 will be diagnosed with some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050."

"Despite all of our amazing advances in treating cardiovascular disease, we have not made many advances in preventing the disease. And in fact, the projections would suggest that we're doing worse and worse in preventing the cardiovascular risk factors."

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, surpassing all cancer deaths combined. However, women's unique cardiovascular symptoms often go undetected and untreated compared to men's. A new analysis projects alarming increases in cardiovascular disease prevalence among women by 2050, rising from 10.7 percent to 14.4 percent, affecting over 22 million people. Most concerning is the projected surge in younger women, with nearly one-third of those aged 22 to 44 expected to receive a cardiovascular disease diagnosis by 2050. Researchers emphasize that despite significant advances in treating cardiovascular disease, prevention efforts have stalled or worsened, indicating a critical need for improved preventive strategies.

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