Heart disease has been on the rise as more and more people are picking up bad habits that contribute to poor health. From processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic stress, it’s no surprise our hearts are taking a hit.

But a new report from the American Heart Association is sounding the alarm: by the year 2050, over 60% of U.S. adults are projected to have some form of cardiovascular disease.

That’s not just a statistic — it’s a wake-up call. If more than half the adult population is affected, heart disease isn’t just a personal problem. It’s a national crisis with serious consequences for us, our families, and the entire healthcare system. So how did we get here, and what can we do about it?

What's Causing the Rise in Heart Disease?

It's not something that's in the air — it's what we're eating what we're doing, and what we're not doing that causes the rise in heart disease.

Poor Diet

The modern American diet is loaded with sodium, sugar, and processed ingredients. In fact, research suggests that around 60-90% of the American diet is from processed foods.

Fast food and frozen grocery store meals often replace whole, heart-healthy options, which leads to weight gain, high cholesterol, and elevated blood pressure — three major risk factors for heart disease.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three Americans are eating fast food everyday. So, it's no wonder heart disease risks are only getting higher.

Inactive Lifestyles

With more people working remotely and spending long hours in front of computer, phone, or TV screens, staying active isn't on many peoples' lives.

The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, yet plenty of adults don’t meet this goal — at least 31% of American adults to be exact.

Living a sedentary lifestyle mixed with a poor diet can lead to risk factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, both of which are large contributors to heart disease.

High Blood Pressure

Many people don’t know they have high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol until it’s already caused damage. Uncontrolled hypertension silently wears down the heart, and elevated cholesterol clogs arteries, setting the stage for heart attacks and strokes.

According to the CDC, almost half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and only 1 in 4 that do have there's under control.

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your mind — it takes a toll on your body too. Elevated cortisol levels from chronic stress can raise blood pressure and increase inflammation, both of which are linked to heart problems.

Add in rising levels of anxiety and depression, and it’s clear mental health plays a bigger role than we once thought.

At least 24% of American adults considered their stress levels to be between and eight and 10. And more and more adults are dealing with a mental illness, rising from 31% reported in 2019 to 45% in 2023.

Lack of Health Care

Not everyone has the same access to healthcare, nutritious food, safe places to exercise, or health education. These disparities disproportionately affect certain communities and can lead to higher rates of cardiovascular disease across generations.

At least 26 million Americans didn't have health insurance in 2024.

What Can We Do?

The good news is that while the statistics might be scary, cardiovascular disease can be preventable. It all starts with awareness—understanding that the small decisions we make each day can either help or harm our heart health.

Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can make a huge difference. Cutting back on sodium, processed foods, and sugary drinks is one of the most impactful changes anyone can make. Equally important is staying active.

Even something as simple as a brisk walk each day can improve circulation, strengthen your heart, and lower blood pressure.

Routine screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose levels can catch problems early, especially since many heart-related issues show no obvious symptoms until they’re serious.

Managing stress through mindfulness, movement, or therapy is also critical, especially in a world where chronic stress has become the norm.

It's the little changes you can make in your life that will help keep your heart happy and healthy for a long time.