Heart disease in women is projected to rise sharply over the next 25 years. By 2050, nearly 60% of women in the United States could have high blood pressure, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. That is up from about half of women in 2020, according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association.
Young adult women are increasingly at risk. Almost one in three women ages 22 to 44 are expected to have some form of cardiovascular disease, compared with fewer than one in four today.
Diabetes and obesity are adding fuel to the problem. Growing rates of these conditions are expected to drive much of the increase in heart disease nationwide.
Even children are affected. By 2050, nearly 32% of girls ages 2 to 19 may have obesity, raising concerns about earlier and longer lasting heart…