The American Heart Association reports that currently, 1 in 3 Americans (36.9% of the total national population) have some form of heart disease, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and other conditions. By 2030, cardiovascular disease, the nation’s leading cause of death, is projected to affect approximately 116 million Americans (40.5%), with the largest increases anticipated in stroke (up 24.9%) and heart failure (up 25%). As a result, The American Heart Association warns that the cost to treat heart disease in the United States will triple by 2030. Between 2010 to 2030, the cost of medical care for heart disease (in 2008 dollar values) will rise from $273 billion to $818 billion. Concluding that: “These findings indicate [cardiovascular disease] prevalence and costs are projected to increase substantially,” The American Heart Association urges that: “Effective prevention strategies are needed if we are to limit the growing burden of [cardiovascular disease].”
Heart Disease Costs to Triple by 2030
Paul A. Heidenreich, Justin G. Trogdon, Olga A. Khavjou, Javed Butler, Kathleen Dracup, Michael D. Ezekowitz, et al, on behalf of the American Heart Association Advocacy Coordinating Committee, Stroke Council, Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention, Council on Clinical Cardiology, Council on Epidemiology and Prevention, Council on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, Council on Cardiopulmonary, Critical Care, Perioperative and Resuscitation, Council on Cardiovascular Nursing, Council on the Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease, Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia, and Interdisciplinary Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research. “Forecasting the Future of Cardiovascular Disease in the United States: A Policy Statement From the American Heart Association.” Circulation, Jan 2011; doi:10.1161/CIR.0b013e31820a55f5.
