America’s heart failure epidemic is getting worse
Approximately 6.7 million Americans over the age of 20 have heart failure, according to a new data-driven analysis published by the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA). That number is expected to rise, the group added, and could hit approximately 11.4 million by 2050.
Those were just some of the eye-opening statistics included in a new HFSA report published in the Journal of Cardiac Failure.[1] In addition, the group wrote, approximately one in four Americans will develop HF in their lifetime. And the odds are even greater for Black individuals than those from other racial and ethnic groups.
An updated perspective from the Heart Failure Society of America
HFSA released its first report dedicated to heart failure trends and outcomes in 2023, planning to release an update every year. This latest update is the third edition of that report. It includes new sections on such topics as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health and the cost effectiveness of different therapies.
“Heart failure is a growing epidemic affecting millions of individuals across all demographics,” Gregg C. Fonarow, MD, writing group chair and director of the Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center, said in a statement. “With a surge in mortality and continued underutilization of evidence-based therapies, it is imperative to prioritize improvements in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart failure.”
Key details about America’s heart failure epidemic
One of the biggest takeaways from the new report is the fact that patients with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease all face a significantly higher risk of developing heart failure. With a growing number of patients now living with at least three of those conditions, it is more important than ever for cardiologists and other clinicians to work together.
The report also examines the consistent racial disparities seen today, with heart failure being much more common among Black adults than adults from any other racial or ethnic group.
“Continued efforts are needed to accurately ascertain the contemporary burden of heart failure and characterize structural and systemic factors contributing to these disparities,” the group wrote.
The 2025 report covers much more ground. Click here to read the full document.
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.