Heart disease isn’t just a medical term; it’s a life-altering reality that touches nearly every family in the U.S. It’s the silent enemy lurking in our arteries, threatening to steal moments, memories, and lives. This condition, often caused by the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, doesn’t discriminate—it impacts people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.

With nearly half of U.S. adults living with some form of cardiovascular disease, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But here’s the silver lining: many cases are preventable. Simple lifestyle changes, early diagnosis, and effective treatments can make all the difference. Despite its prevalence, heart disease doesn’t have to define your future.

Let’s dive into the latest heart disease statistics to truly understand the scope, impact, and trends in the U.S. Your heart matters—let’s take a closer look at what that really means.

Heart Disease Statistics

• Between 2021 and 2022, the death rates for heart disease dropped by 3.8%, going from 173.8 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021 to 167.2 in 2022. During the same period, cancer death rates also decreased by 2.9%, from 146.6 deaths per 100,000 people to 142.3. In 2022, the top 10 causes of death were the same as in 2021. Heart disease was still the leading cause of death, followed closely by cancer. (1)
• In the United States, the average individual has a 1 in 6 risk of dying from heart disease and a 1 in 7 risk of dying from cancer. (2)

Cardiovascular Disease in the United States

• Every 33 seconds, one person dies from cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for men, women, and people across most racial and ethnic groups. (3)
• In 2022, heart disease claimed the lives of 702,880 people, accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths. (3)

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

“Heart disease” includes various heart-related conditions, with the most common in the U.S. being coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease (CAD), also called coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease, occurs when the coronary arteries narrow or become blocked, restricting blood and oxygen flow to the heart. This happens as fatty deposits and plaque gradually build up in the arteries, a process known as atherosclerosis. CAD can develop suddenly or over time, leading to various symptoms and health issues.

Heart Attack

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI), is a serious medical emergency that happens when blood flow to the heart is suddenly cut off. This usually occurs when a blood clot or plaque buildup in the coronary arteries blocks oxygen from reaching the heart muscle. If blood flow isn’t restored quickly, the heart muscle can start to die, making the situation life-threatening.

• In the United States, a heart attack occurs every 40 seconds. A heart attack is different from cardiac arrest. In cardiac arrest, the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing the heart to suddenly stop beating. (3)
• Each year, around 805,000 people in the United States experience a heart attack. Out of these, 605,000 are first-time heart attacks, while 200,000 occur in people who have already had one. (3)
• Around 1 in 5 heart attacks go unnoticed—the damage occurs, but the individual remains unaware. Taking quick action is crucial during a heart attack. It’s important to know the warning signs and symptoms so you can respond promptly. (3)

Prevalence of Heart Disease by Age in the U.S. From 1997 to 2019

Understanding the prevalence of heart disease across different age groups in the U.S. from 1997 to 2019 reveals important trends in how this condition affects our population. Over these two decades, heart disease has continued to be a leading health concern, with varying impacts depending on age. These diseases often develop gradually as people age, particularly when they have risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, alcohol use, poor diet, or exposure to air pollution.

• The age-adjusted prevalence of heart disease among adults aged 18 years and over decreased from 6.2% in 1997 to 5.5% in 2019. Overall, over the past century, people are living longer with a lower risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or dying from coronary heart disease. (5)
• The prevalence of heart disease in adults aged 65 years and over decreased from 20.8% in 1997 to 18.3% in 2019. (5)
•  For adults aged 45–54 years, the prevalence of heart disease decreased from 5.1% in 1997 to 3.6% in 2019, indicating a decline in heart disease prevalence within this age group over the years. (5)

Cardiovascular Disease by Demographics

Heart disease and stroke can affect anyone, but certain groups are at a higher risk due to various factors. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for most racial and ethnic groups in the United States, including African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic, and White men. For women from Pacific Islander, Asian American, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Hispanic backgrounds, heart disease is the second leading cause of death, following cancer. (4)

• Asian Americans also show gender differences, with non-Hispanic Asian males at 51.5% and females at 38.5%, pointing to potential cultural or genetic factors influencing these rates.
• Prevalence rates are highest among non-Hispanic Black females (59%) and non-Hispanic Black males (58.9%), indicating a significant health disparity that requires targeted public health interventions.
• Non-Hispanic White males and females have lower prevalence rates, with 51.2% and 44.6%, respectively, highlighting differences in risk across demographic groups.
• Hispanic males have a prevalence rate of 51.9%, while Hispanic females have a notably lower rate at 37.3%, showing a gender disparity within the Hispanic population.

Coronary Heart Disease Prevalence in U.S. Adults by Age and Gender (2017-2020)

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. While it can occur at any age, the risk increases as you get older. It’s easy to fall into the misconception that heart disease is something that only happens to others, but the truth is, it can affect anyone—even those who exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet.

• Between 2017 and 2020, approximately 7.5% of males and 6.5% of females in the United States aged 40 to 59 were affected by coronary heart disease. (4)

Stroke Prevalence in U.S. Adults by Age and Gender (2017-2020)

A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, is a serious medical emergency that happens when blood flow to the brain is suddenly blocked. This can occur if a blood vessel bursts or a blood clot blocks an artery, stopping oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain. Without quick treatment, brain cells can start to die within minutes, leading to permanent brain damage, disability, or even death.

• In the 40-59 age group, females had a higher stroke prevalence (4.0%) compared to males (2.3%). Pregnancy, longer life expectancy, and hormonal medications all contribute to an increased stroke risk for women. (4)
• Stroke prevalence was higher in males aged 60-79 (7.7%) than in females (6.8%). (4)
• Between 2017 and 2020, approximately 14 percent of males and females in the United States aged 80 and older experienced a stroke. (4)

Risk Factors of Heart Disease 

According to the CDC, your risk for heart disease can be influenced by several factors, including health conditions, lifestyle choices, age, and family history. These are known as risk factors. While some risk factors, like age and family history, can’t be changed, you can reduce your risk by making healthy lifestyle changes and managing the factors you can control.

• High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and smoking are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Nearly half of people in the United States (47%) have at least one of the three main risk factors for heart disease. Additionally, other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can further increase the risk of developing heart disease. (2)

Heart Disease Prevention

Living a healthy lifestyle can help you maintain normal blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, which in turn lowers your risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Making healthy choices, like maintaining a healthy weight, is crucial since being overweight or obese puts extra stress on your heart and blood vessels. Smoking also significantly increases your risk of heart disease, so quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart health.

U.S. Heart Disease Deaths 1950-2019

Death rates from cardiovascular diseases in the United States have seen a dramatic decline over the past several decades, thanks to advancements in prevention, early detection, and treatment methods. Here are the key points highlighting the progress made: (6)

• In 1990, the heart disease death rate was 321.8 per 100,000 people. This marked a significant reduction from earlier decades as awareness and preventive measures began to take hold.
• By 2005, the rate had dropped to 216.8 per 100,000, reflecting the impact of improved emergency care and advanced medical procedures.
• In 2019, the heart disease death rate fell to 161.5 per 100,000, representing a nearly 50% reduction from 1990 levels, showcasing the continued success of public health efforts and medical advancements.

These improvements underscore the effectiveness of ongoing initiatives to combat cardiovascular diseases, including better lifestyle choices, advanced medical treatments, and public health campaigns.

Heart Disease Death Rates Aged 25-44 by Race from 2000-2020

• In 2020, the heart disease death rate for non-Hispanic Black adults aged 25 to 44 was 39.5 per 100,000 population. (7)
• The heart disease death rate for non-Hispanic White adults aged 25-44 remained stable from 2000 to 2002, then decreased by 23% from 19.5 in 2002 to 15.1 in 2019, followed by a 15% increase from 2019 to 2020, reaching 17.4. (7)

Cardiovascular Deaths by Type 2021

• In 2021, coronary heart disease made up approximately 40% of all cardiovascular deaths in the United States. (4)
• Heart failure caused 9.1% of cardiovascular deaths, while diseases of the arteries contributed to 2.6% in 2021. (8)

U.S. Cardiovascular Costs by Type 2019-2020

• Heart disease in the United States costs around $252.2 billion annually from 2019 to 2020, and the CDC expects this figure to keep rising. These costs include healthcare services, medications, and lost productivity due to death. (4)
• Annual costs for stroke were $56.2 billion, while hypertension cost $52.4 billion in 2019-2020. (4)

Between 2019 and 2020, hospital inpatient stays for cardiovascular disease in the U.S. averaged $110.3 billion annually, while indirect costs from lost productivity and mortality amounted to $168 billion. The economic burden of cardiovascular risk factors and heart disease in the United States is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. To manage these costs and improve public health, it’s crucial to develop and implement cost-effective programs and policies that promote cardiovascular health for everyone. (4)

U.S. Heart Transplants 1975-2022

The chart illustrates the number of heart transplants performed in the United States from 1975 to 2022. Over these years, the number of transplants has steadily increased, reflecting improvements in medical technology, organ donation systems, and patient care

• In 2022, the United States recorded approximately 4,111 heart transplants, marking a notable rise from previous years and underscoring the ongoing need and success of this life-saving procedure. (4)

Heart Disease Mortality Rates in the United States by State in 2022

The above map explains the heart disease death statistics across various states in the United States, highlighting both the total number of deaths and the death rate per 100,000 people. It provides a comparative view of how heart disease impacts different regions, with some states showing significantly higher death rates than the national average. The data sheds light on the alarming disparities in cardiovascular health outcomes across the country, emphasizing the critical need for targeted public health interventions in the most affected areas. (9)

• Oklahoma has the highest heart disease death rate in the country at 257.1 per 100,000 people, significantly surpassing the national average of 167.2, highlighting a severe health crisis in the state.
• Mississippi follows closely with a heart disease death rate of 248.0 per 100,000, 48% higher than the national average, reflecting dire health outcomes.
• Alabama’s heart disease death rate stands at 234.2 per 100,000, resulting in nearly 15,000 deaths, showcasing the state’s struggle with cardiovascular health.
• Despite its smaller population, Arkansas has a heart disease death rate of 224.1 per 100,000, pointing to severe health disparities in the region.
• Louisiana mirrors Arkansas with a heart disease death rate of 224.0 per 100,000, suggesting systemic health issues within the state.
• Tennessee’s heart disease death rate of 218.3 per 100,000 corresponds to over 18,000 deaths, indicating a significant public health challenge.
• West Virginia’s heart disease death rate of 209.5 per 100,000 is alarmingly high, despite its smaller population, suggesting critical health issues.
• Kentucky records a heart disease death rate of 208.6 per 100,000, further emphasizing the state’s ongoing battle with heart disease.
• Michigan, with over 27,000 heart disease deaths, has a death rate of 206.3 per 100,000, reflecting the widespread impact of cardiovascular disease.
• Texas, despite its size, shows a heart disease death rate of 172.3 per 100,000, resulting in over 50,000 deaths, showcasing the scale of the issue.
• Minnesota, with the lowest heart disease death rate in the country at 124.1 per 100,000, still recorded over 9,000 deaths, illustrating that no state is immune.
• Hawaii has a heart disease death rate of 128.4 per 100,000, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths, which is shocking given its typically healthier lifestyle.
• Colorado, known for its outdoor living, shows a heart disease death rate of 131.4 per 100,000, with over 8,000 deaths, contradicting its healthy reputation.
• California, despite having a lower death rate of 142.4 per 100,000, saw over 66,000 heart disease deaths, underlining the immense impact of heart disease even in states with better overall health outcomes.
• The United States overall has lost over 700,000 people to heart disease, with states like Missouri and Nevada having heart disease death rates close to 200 per 100,000, making it a critical national health concern.

Final Thought

Cardiovascular disease remains a significant challenge, affecting millions of lives across the United States. The statistics reveal not just the scale of the problem but also the urgency with which we must address it. While the numbers show that progress has been made in reducing death rates, the prevalence of heart disease continues to be a major concern, particularly as our population ages and risk factors persist. The data underscores the importance of early detection, prevention, and lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

As we move forward, it’s clear that both individual actions and collective efforts are crucial in combating heart disease. By raising awareness, promoting healthy habits, and ensuring access to effective treatments, we can continue to improve heart health outcomes. The statistics are a reminder that while much has been achieved, there is still more to be done to protect the hearts of millions of Americans.