Heart Disease Remains Leading Cause of Death Worldwide

Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death globally, according to the 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics report by the American Heart Association (AHA) as published in an article on Earth.com. The report reveals that cardiovascular disease (CVD) claims a life every 34 seconds in the U.S., with over 941,000 CVD-related deaths recorded in 2022.

Despite a slight decrease in the age-adjusted death rate, risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes are on the rise. Nearly 47% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and more than 50% live with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Alarmingly, obesity rates among U.S. children have reached 40%.

The report highlights significant disparities in health outcomes, particularly among different racial and ethnic groups. While smoking rates have declined, the anticipated rise in obesity and diabetes could lead to a 300% increase in heart disease-related healthcare costs by 2050.

Experts urge a holistic approach to prevention, focusing on community interventions and equitable access to care to combat the escalating heart disease crisis.