This scientific statement projects a rise in cardiovascular risk factors and disease among women through 2050, based on analyses of NHANES (2015–2020), MEPS (2015–2019), and census population estimates. Among adult women, hypertension is expected to increase from 48.6% in 2020 to 59.1% in 2050; diabetes from 14.9% to 25.3%; and obesity from 43.9% to 61.2%.
Hypercholesterolemia is anticipated to decline from 42.1% to 22.3%. Suboptimal diet, inadequate physical activity, and smoking are projected to decline, while inadequate sleep increases.
Coronary disease prevalence is projected to rise from 6.85% to 8.21%, heart failure from 2.45% to 3.60%, stroke from 4.14% to 6.74%, atrial fibrillation from 1.58% to 2.31%, and total cardiovascular disease and stroke from 10.7% to 14.4%. Similar trends are projected for girls aged 2–19, including an obesity increase from 19.6% to 32.0%.
Projections indicate more pronounced adverse trends among women and girls identifying as American Indian/Alaska Native, multiracial, Black, or Hispanic. The authors note uncertainty around long-term projections and emphasize the need for focused clinical and public health interventions across the life course.