Nearly one in three US women aged between 20 and 44 could have some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050, according to projections from the American Heart Association.
The forecast, published in the association’s scientific statement in the journal Circulation, suggests the sharpest increases will affect younger women as rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity continue to rise.
At present, fewer than one in four women in the age group are estimated to have cardiovascular disease. By 2050, the proportion is projected to approach a third.
The report estimates that more than a third of women aged 20 to 44 could have high blood pressure by then, up from current levels. Diabetes among younger women is also projected to increase from about 6 per cent to nearly 16 per cent.
Obesity is expected to affect more than one in six women in the same age group, representing an increase of more than 18 per cent over the period covered by the forecast.
American Heart Association warns of rising cardiovascular disease risk
Across all adult women in the US, the association projects that nearly six in 10 could have at least one form of cardiovascular disease by 2050. High blood pressure is expected to rise from 48.6 per cent in 2020 to 59.1 per cent.
The projections were based on historical health trends, national survey data and population estimates. Researchers examined conditions including coronary disease, heart failure, stroke and atrial fibrillation, as well as major risk factors.
The statement also warns that the trend could begin early in life. Almost 32 per cent of girls aged between two and 19 are projected to have obesity by 2050, while inadequate physical activity and poor diets are expected to remain widespread.
Karen E. Joynt Maddox, who chaired the writing group, said the figures showed the need for action across a woman’s life rather than waiting until later adulthood to address cardiovascular risk.
The American Heart Association said focused clinical care and public-health measures would be needed to improve heart health among women and girls and prevent the projected rise from becoming reality.
