Heart disease and stroke continue to claim more lives in the United States than any other cause, accounting for more than a quarter of all deaths, according to newly released statistics from the American Heart Association. While death rates have declined from pandemic-era highs, cardiovascular disease still outpaces cancer and accidental injuries combined.
Experts say decades of progress from reduced smoking, better medications, and improved medical procedures slowed over the past decade as obesity, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes became more widespread. Nearly half of U.S. adults now have high blood pressure, and millions live with diabetes or prediabetes — often without knowing it — increasing long-term risks for heart attack, stroke, and related complications.
At the same time, doctors point to reasons for cautious optimism. Advances in screening, prevention, and new treatments for obesity, diabetes, cholesterol, and heart failure have expanded options for patients. Researchers say the challenge now is identifying risk earlier, improving access to care, and determining whether the nation is approaching a turning point in the long battle against cardiovascular disease.
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