Heart failure is becoming a major health concern in the United States. A new report shows that the lifetime risk of developing heart failure has now risen to 24%.
This means that nearly one in every four Americans is expected to face this serious condition at some point in their lives.
The findings were recently published in the Journal of Cardiac Failure. The report was prepared by a group of doctors from the Heart Failure Society of America, led by Dr. Gregg Fonarow from the University of California, Los Angeles.
The group carefully reviewed data on heart failure across the country, looking at how common it is, how it affects people, and how the situation is changing over time.
Heart failure happens when the heart becomes too weak or stiff to pump blood properly. This can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, tiredness, and swelling in the legs. It is not the same as a heart attack, but it can be just as dangerous, especially if not treated early and properly.
According to the report, the number of people living with heart failure in the U.S. is expected to rise sharply. By the year 2030, it is estimated that 8.7 million Americans will be living with the condition.
What’s more concerning is that certain groups of people are affected more than others. Black Americans have the highest rates of heart failure, both in terms of how often it happens and how deadly it can be. American Indian and Alaska Native communities also face very high death rates related to heart failure.
In 2022, heart failure played a role in 45% of all heart-related deaths in the country. This shows just how serious and life-threatening the condition can be. On top of the health impact, the financial cost is also massive.
Experts estimate that by 2050, heart failure-related health care costs in the U.S. will reach $858 billion. That includes hospital stays, medications, and other treatments.
Despite the severity of the condition, many patients are not getting the full treatment they need. For people with a certain type of heart failure called “heart failure with reduced ejection fraction,” there are four main medications that are known to help.
These are recommended by doctors based on years of research. But fewer than one in four patients who should be on all four medications are actually receiving them.
Dr. Fonarow and his team say that heart failure is now a growing epidemic that affects people from all backgrounds. He warns that death rates are increasing, and many people are still not getting the best possible treatments. He says it is crucial to improve the way doctors and hospitals prevent, detect, and treat this condition.
Looking at the bigger picture, this study sends a strong message. With the number of cases rising, the impact of heart failure is becoming harder to ignore. The burden is not just on individuals but also on families, communities, and the health care system. Steps need to be taken now to stop the disease from growing worse.
Health experts urge more awareness, better use of proven treatments, and greater support for prevention efforts—especially in communities that are hardest hit. If action is not taken soon, millions more could be affected, and the cost—both in lives and dollars—will continue to rise.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies about a big cause of heart failure, and common blood test could advance heart failure treatment.
For more health information, please see recent studies about a new way to repair human heart, and results showing drinking coffee may help reduce heart failure risk.
The study is published in the Journal of Cardiac Failure.
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