Within the next 30 years, at least 60% of U.S. adults (that’s 6 out of 10) could be affected by cardiovascular disease, which would significantly increase healthcare costs to $1.8 trillion by 2050. Key risk factors driving this increase include high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

Key points:

• High blood pressure is expected to increase from 51.2% to 61% of the population by 2050.

• Cardiovascular disease will affect 15% of the population by 2050, up from 11.3% in 2020, with stroke rates doubling.

• Obesity rates are predicted to climb from 43.1% to 60.6%, particularly among adults aged 20 to 64.

• Diabetes rates are expected to rise from 16.3% to 26.8%.

• Children will also see rising rates of obesity, with one-third affected by 2050, up from 20% in 2020.

Demographic changes, including an aging population and increased diversity, will worsen these trends:

• Hispanic and Asian populations will see the largest increases in cardiovascular disease.

• Black adults will face the highest rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

Thankfully, there’s a projected increase in physical activity and a decrease in smoking rates. Still, researchers emphasize the need for strategic investments in cardiovascular prevention and treatment to help counter the negative trends.

Read the full article from the American Heart Association News.