Heart Disease Remains Top Cause of Death in the U.S.

The American Heart Association delivers a sobering reality: cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Nearly 2,500 people die from cardiovascular diseases daily – a rate of one death every 34 seconds. Despite medical advancements that have helped individuals live longer with cardiovascular disease, risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes continue to rise at alarming rates. At PHM, our experts stay up to date on the latest in cardiovascular disease prevention and management, providing evidence-based recommendations to optimize cardiovascular health.

Rising Cardiovascular Disease Burden
The American Heart Association’s comprehensive analysis, 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, published in the journal Circulation highlighted important statistics about the rising toll of common cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and sudden cardiac arrest.¹ Key findings included:²

• Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.
• There were over 940,000 cardiovascular-related deaths in 2022, an increase of over 10,000 from 2021.
• Overall, cardiovascular disease causes more deaths than the second and third leading causes of death – cancer and accidental deaths – combined.
• Between 2017 and 2020, 49% of U.S. adults had some form of cardiovascular disease.
• Between 2020 and 2021, cardiovascular disease-related healthcare costs were over $400 billion.

Key types of cardiovascular disease

Increasing Risk Factors Play an Important Role
The report also outlines the most up-to-date trends in risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease, and unfortunately many of these factors are on the rise.^1,2 The American Heart Association focuses on “Life’s Essential 8,” which includes core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control), which are known contributors to cardiovascular risk. Startlingly, the report shows that in the U.S., excess weight contributes to 1300 excess deaths per day, or 500,000 deaths per year, underscoring the importance of addressing the obesity epidemic. Some other key takeaways from the analysis included:

Risk factors that are on the rise

• High blood pressure affects nearly 47% of U.S. adults.
• Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes is present in 57% of U.S. adults.
• Obesity affects 42% of adults and 72% have an unhealthy weight.
• Among children, 40% have an unhealthy weight, and 20% are obese.
• Just 25% of adults get the recommended amount of physical activity.

Risk factors that are improving

• Smoking rates are steadily declining among both adults and youth
• Rates of high cholesterol among adults have declined

Managing Your CVD Risk³
The American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of key lifestyle habits to protect your heart and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other major health concerns. Small, consistent changes in your daily routine can have a big impact on your cardiovascular health. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations on managing cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and lifestyle factors.

1. Fuel your heart: Eat Smart
   • Build your meals around whole, nutrient-rich foods—think colorful fruits and veggies, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and fiber-rich grains.
   • Choose heart-healthy fats by cooking with olive, avocado, or canola oil instead of saturated fats from tropical oils or processed foods.
   • Cut back on added sugars, processed foods, and excess sodium to support a strong heart and stable blood pressure.
2. Move More, Sit Less
   • Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate (brisk walking, swimming) or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (running, cycling) per week.
   • Strength training at least twice a week boosts metabolism, protects against heart disease, and improves circulation.
   • For kids: Encourage at least 60 minutes of active play daily—jumping, biking, dancing, or team sports all count!
3. Break Free from Tobacco & Nicotine
   • Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarette use are the #1 preventable cause of death in the U.S.
   • Quitting smoking immediately improves circulation and lung function, reducing your risk of a heart attack.
   • Need support? Consider nicotine replacement therapies, medications, or behavioral counseling to quit for good.
4. Prioritize Restorative Sleep
   • Adults should aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night for optimal heart health.
   • Poor sleep increases the risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, all of which contribute to heart disease.
   • Improve sleep quality by maintaining a consistent bedtime, reducing screen time before bed, and limiting caffeine intake in the evening.
5. Maintain a Healthy Weight for Heart Health
   • A Body Mass Index (BMI) around 25 is generally considered a healthy target, but focus on overall health, not just the number on the scale.
   • Struggling with weight loss? Discuss options with your provider, including GLP-1 medications that can help with weight management when lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough.
   • Reduce visceral fat (fat around your organs) by combining healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress management strategies.
6. Keep Your Cholesterol in Check
   • High non-HDL (“bad”) cholesterol increases the risk of plaque buildup in arteries, leading to heart disease.
   • Keep total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL and focus on raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol through exercise and healthy fats.
   • If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend statins or other cholesterol-lowering medications.
7. Control Blood Sugar and Prevent Diabetes
   • Fasting blood sugar levels:
     • Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
     • Prediabetes: 100-120 mg/dL (a warning sign—lifestyle changes can reverse this!)
     • Diabetes: Above 120 mg/dL (increases cardiovascular risk)
   • Manage blood sugar by reducing refined carbs, eating balanced meals, and staying active to improve insulin sensitivity.
8. Keep Blood Pressure in a Healthy Range
   • Optimal blood pressure: Less than 120/80 mmHg
   • High blood pressure (Hypertension):
     • Stage 1: 130-139/80-89 mmHg
     • Stage 2: 140+/90+ mmHg
   • Uncontrolled high blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart and increases your risk for stroke.
   • Reduce blood pressure by limiting salt, increasing potassium (bananas, leafy greens), managing stress, and staying physically active.

References

1. 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/epdf/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001303 doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001303.
2. Heart disease remains leading cause of death as key health risk factors continue to rise. American Heart Association https://newsroom.heart.org/news/heart-disease-remains-leading-cause-of-death-as-key-health-risk-factors-continue-to-rise.
3. Life’s Essential 8. www.heart.org https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8.