5 Fast Facts on Heart Disease in the United States for American Heart Month 2025

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, impacting millions of lives each year. Despite advancements in medical treatments, many risk factors continue to rise, making awareness and prevention more important than ever.

To celebrate the start of February and American Heart Month, we've compiled a list of 5 key facts you should know about heart disease in the US based on the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update.

5 Fast Facts About Heart Disease in the U.S.

1. Heart Disease is the #1 Cause of Death in the U.S.
In 2022 alone, 941,652 people in the U.S. died from cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which include heart disease and stroke. That’s more than all cancer and accidental deaths combined. To put it into perspective, someone in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds—that’s nearly 2,500 lives lost every single day.

2. High Blood Pressure Affects Nearly Half of U.S. Adults
Nearly 47% of American adults have high blood pressure, one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease. High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms, earning it the nickname "the silent killer." Regular check-ups and lifestyle changes, like reducing salt intake and managing stress, can make a big difference.

3. Obesity and Unhealthy Weight Are on the Rise
More than 72% of U.S. adults have an unhealthy weight, with nearly 42% classified as obese. Excess weight contributes to as many as 1,300 additional deaths per day in the U.S., surpassing even the toll from smoking. Obesity doesn’t just affect adults—about 40% of U.S. children are considered to have an unhealthy weight, with 20% meeting the criteria for obesity.

4. Diabetes and Prediabetes Impact Over Half of U.S. Adults
More than 57% of U.S. adults have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Both conditions significantly increase the risk of heart disease, as they contribute to damage in the blood vessels and heart over time. Managing blood sugar through diet, exercise, and medication is crucial for heart health.

5. Heart Disease Disproportionately Affects Certain Communities
While heart disease affects people across all demographics, some groups face higher risks. For example, Black women have the highest rates of both obesity (57.9%) and high blood pressure (58.4%). Hispanic men have the highest prevalence of diabetes at 14.5%. These disparities highlight the need for tailored prevention and treatment efforts to address unique risk factors in different communities.

The Bottom Line:
While heart disease remains a significant threat, many of its risk factors are preventable. Regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and staying informed can help reduce your risk. Understanding these statistics is the first step toward a healthier heart—for you and your loved ones.