Cardiovascular Disease Forecasts for Women

Over the next 25 years, a significant increase in cardiovascular diseases among women is expected, largely due to rising rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. By mid-century, it is projected that nearly 60% of women may face high blood pressure. Even now, concerning trends are being observed among younger generations.

Main Risk Factors

By 2050, almost 60% of women in the United States may have high blood pressure, up from about half in 2020. Young women are increasingly at risk: nearly one in three women aged 22 to 44 are expected to develop cardiovascular diseases, compared to less than one in four today. Diabetes and obesity are worsening the situation, and the growth of these conditions is anticipated to be a major driver of increased cardiovascular disease nationwide. By 2050, nearly 32% of girls aged 2 to 19 may suffer from obesity, potentially leading to earlier and more prolonged heart health issues.

Rising Disease Rates Among Women

High blood pressure is becoming more common and is expected to lead to a substantial rise in cardiovascular diseases among women in the coming decades. Forecasts indicate that nearly 6 out of 10 women in the U.S. will live with some form of cardiovascular disease over the next 25 years. Increases are expected across all major categories: heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. Key risk factors—high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes—are also projected to rise.

Special attention is being paid to the growing risk factors among girls aged 2–19 and the significant increase among women and girls from Indigenous, African American, Latina, and multiracial backgrounds.

Projections for 2050

- About 60% of women will have high blood pressure (currently less than half).

- Over 25% will have diabetes (currently about 15%).

- More than 60% of women are likely to be obese (currently about 44%).

Even greater increases are expected among women of different ethnic groups. Among Latinas, hypertension will rise by more than 15%, and obesity will increase most sharply among Asian women—by nearly 26%. African American women are projected to have the highest rates: over 70% will have high blood pressure, more than 71% will be obese, and nearly 28% will have diabetes.

Risks for Young Women

While older women still bear the highest burden of cardiovascular diseases, there is also a significant rise among younger women. By 2025:

- Nearly one in three women aged 22–44 will have cardiovascular disease (currently less than one in four).

- Diabetes in this age group will more than double—from 6% to nearly 16%.

- More than a third will have high blood pressure (an increase of 11%).

- Over one in six will be obese (an increase of more than 18%).

Obesity Among Girls

By 2050, almost 32% of girls aged 2–19 will be obese, up 12% from today. More than 60% of girls will be insufficiently physically active, and over half will have an unbalanced diet. These rates are even higher among girls from ethnic minorities, especially African American girls—by 2050, 40% of them are expected to be obese.

Impact on Lifelong Health

The rise in risks among girls and young women means they will face chronic diseases for much of their lives. Women are at increased risk due to unique factors throughout life, including changes during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause.

Positive Trends

Cholesterol levels are expected to decrease in almost all groups of women, along with improvements in several behavioral factors: healthier eating, increased physical activity, and reduced smoking. Life expectancy is increasing thanks to better disease management and lower mortality from heart attacks and strokes. However, further progress requires a focus on prevention and health maintenance.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention is considered the most effective and accessible way to reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, but current efforts are insufficient, especially for young women and women from ethnic minorities. The report highlights areas for improving prevention, treatment, and long-term care for all women.

Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle

Encouraging healthy habits in schools, community centers, and healthcare facilities can help prevent disease development. Digital tools can also support positive lifestyle changes.

Early Management of Chronic Diseases

Early and ongoing treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity can significantly reduce risks. Medical teams and policies should provide long-term support, including early screenings, team-based care, and digital tools to improve access.

Improving Treatment

Women who have experienced heart attacks, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or stroke require timely and high-quality care. For chronic conditions, treatment plans should consider the specific needs of women and include dementia prevention.

Heart Health Across Life Stages

Every stage of life is an opportunity to identify and address risks. Pediatricians should recognize that early menstruation may signal a higher risk of future cardiovascular disease. Coordinated care before, during, and after pregnancy is important for prevention. Research continues to explore the effects of lifestyle changes and hormone therapy during menopause on heart health.

Social and Demographic Factors

Social and environmental conditions affect women's heart health in different ways. Special programs are needed to reduce high disease rates among African American women. Healthcare systems should consider access to healthy food, transportation, and safe housing when developing risk reduction measures.

Opportunities for Change

Forecast models show that significant risk reduction is achievable. Lowering major risk factors by 10% and improving control of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol by 20% could reduce cardiovascular events and deaths by 17–23%. Halving obesity rates and doubling control of key risk factors could lower these rates by 30–40%.

Conclusion

Despite advances in medicine, progress in heart health prevention and promotion is lagging. Forecasts highlight the importance of focusing efforts on maintaining health for everyone. With the development of digital technologies and new medications, specialists have the tools, but effective systems for their implementation are still lacking.

Women's awareness of cardiovascular diseases is declining, making these findings especially relevant. Every woman should know her risks and be prepared to take steps to reduce them. It is crucial to support girls and women in building healthy lifestyles at every stage of life.