The American Heart Association has issued a stark warning: by 2050, 6 in 10 U.S. women are projected to have at least one type of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a new scientific statement published in Circulation, the association's flagship journal. The statement, released June 2, 2026, points to alarming increases in health factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity as key drivers of this trend.
Nearly 32% of girls aged 2-19 may have obesity by 2050, highlighting the impact on younger generations. The report forecasts 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 Dr. Stacey E. Rosen, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and executive director of the Katz Institute for 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. 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, the statement also offers positive news: rates of high cholesterol are expected to decline among nearly all groups of women, and improvements are expected in some health behaviors, including healthier eating, more physical activity, and less smoking.
The most effective way to reduce CVD prevalence is through prevention, prioritizing optimal health via the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, which comprises 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.
Health systems are urged to promote healthy choices in places where people learn, live, and receive care, such as schools, community centers, and clinics. Digital tools can encourage positive lifestyle changes. Early management of chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity is crucial, especially for women at higher risk.
Each life stage offers opportunities to spot risks early. Pediatricians should know that early menstrual periods can signal higher future cardiovascular risk. Coordinated care across specialties should be integrated before, during, and after pregnancy. Research should continue to explore how lifestyle changes and hormone therapy around menopause impact heart health.
Health systems must also address social challenges—such as access to healthy food, transportation, or safe housing—that combine with medical risks, designing interventions to improve heart health in every setting.
For the full report and more heart health advice, visit Heart.org.
