Nearly 1 in 3 Young Women Will Have Heart Disease by 2050—Here's What's Driving the Crisis

Nearly 60% of women in the U.S. will have some type of cardiovascular disease within the next 25 years, driven primarily by rising rates of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. According to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association published in February 2026, the projections paint a sobering picture: by 2050, nearly a third of all women aged 22-44 will have cardiovascular disease, compared to fewer than 1 in 4 currently.

Why Are Young Women's Heart Disease Rates Climbing So Dramatically?

The surge in cardiovascular disease among women is being fueled by three major health factors that are themselves on the rise. High blood pressure will affect nearly 60% of women by 2050, up from fewer than half currently. Obesity rates are projected to exceed 60% of women, compared to about 44% today. And diabetes will impact more than 25% of women, nearly double the current 15% rate.

The trend is particularly alarming among younger generations. By 2050, nearly 32% of girls aged 2 to 19 may have obesity, driven by more than 60% having inadequate physical activity and more than half having poor diets. These rates are projected to improve only slightly over the coming decades.

"Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women and remains their number one health risk overall," said Dr. Stacey E. Rosen, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. "While many people may think these conditions like high blood pressure are only occurring in older women, we know this is not the case. We know the factors that contribute to heart disease and stroke begin early in life, even among young women and girls."

Which Women Face the Highest Risk?

The American Heart Association's projections reveal stark disparities among women of color. By 2050, more than 70% of Black women will have high blood pressure, more than 71% will have obesity, and nearly 28% will have diabetes. High blood pressure will increase the most among Hispanic women, rising by more than 15%, while obesity will increase the most among Asian women, up by nearly 26%.

These disparities are linked to what experts call "adverse social determinants of health"—factors like poverty, low literacy, rural residence, and psychosocial stressors that make it harder for some communities to access preventive care and maintain healthy lifestyles.

What Specific Changes Are Doctors Recommending?

The American Heart Association emphasizes that the majority of heart disease and stroke—as much as 80%—can be prevented. The organization has developed a framework called Life's Essential 8, which combines four health behaviors and four health factors that work together to reduce cardiovascular risk.

• Eat Better: Focus on a heart-healthy diet that supports weight management and reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Be More Active: Increase physical activity to combat obesity and improve cardiovascular function, particularly important given that over 60% of girls have inadequate physical activity.
• Quit Tobacco: Eliminate smoking, which is a major independent risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
• Get Healthy Sleep: Prioritize adequate sleep, which supports metabolic health and blood pressure regulation.
• Manage Weight: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the cardiovascular system and lower diabetes risk.
• Control Cholesterol: Keep cholesterol levels in a healthy range through diet and, if needed, medication.
• Manage Blood Sugar: Monitor and control blood glucose levels to prevent diabetes and its cardiovascular complications.
• Manage Blood Pressure: Keep blood pressure below 130 mg/dL (considered high) through lifestyle changes and medication if necessary.

"I like to call Life's Essential 8 a prescription for health," Dr. Rosen explained. "These ideal cardiovascular health metrics are based on extensive scientific research that recognizes the majority—as much as 80%—of heart disease and stroke can be prevented".

Why Should Women Pay Attention to These Projections Now?

The report emphasizes that the trend toward increased health risks among girls and young women is particularly concerning because it indicates they will face chronic health issues for most of their lives. Women already experience unique cardiovascular challenges due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause—making it especially important to pay close attention to increases in health risk factors during those life stages.

The economic burden is also staggering. More than 62 million women in the U.S. are currently living with some type of cardiovascular disease, with an annual price tag of at least $200 billion. If current trends continue, these numbers will grow substantially over the next 25 to 30 years.

There is some encouraging news: rates of high cholesterol are expected to decline among nearly all groups of women, and improvements are anticipated in some health behaviors, including healthier eating, more physical activity, and less smoking. However, experts stress that reversing the overall trend requires intentional, focused efforts on prevention and optimal cardiovascular health across the entire lifespan—starting with girls and young women today.