Recent research from the American Heart Association offers a mix of hope and warning: While deaths from heart disease and stroke have dipped, these conditions remain the most lethal health threats in the United States.
Deaths related to heart disease dropped noticeably in the most recent reporting year, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update.
Despite this improvement, heart disease continues to claim more lives than any other single cause.
The report, which compiles the latest available health data from government agencies and medical organizations, reveals that cardiovascular disease kills more people annually than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths combined.
In fact, someone in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease approximately every 34 seconds.
A decline in deaths
The new figures show a decrease in mortality rates for the nation’s top killers. The death rate for cardiovascular disease fell from 224.3 per 100,000 people in 2022 to 218.3 in 2023, according to the AHA.
Specific conditions saw similar declines:
- Coronary heart disease: Deaths dropped from about 372,000 to around 349,000.
- Stroke: Deaths decreased from around 165,000 to about 163,000.
While these numbers represent thousands of lives saved, the volume of fatalities keeps heart disease at the top of the mortality list, with stroke ranking fourth.
Obesity and metabolic risks remain high
Health experts warn that despite the lower death toll, the risk factors driving these diseases are worsening. The report highlights a troubling rise in obesity, particularly among young people.
Approximately half of all U.S. adults currently have obesity or severe obesity. While adult rates have held relatively steady, obesity prevalence among children ages 2 to 19 has jumped to 28%.
The report also tracks cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a disorder that is made up of heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity. The findings are stark:
- Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have some level of CKM syndrome.
- More than 80% of young and middle-aged adults already show early signs of risk.
These underlying conditions create a risk for future heart health issues. High blood pressure, diabetes and obesity continue to be the primary drivers of cardiovascular risk.
Protecting yourself
The data underscores that while medical care may be improving survival rates, prevention remains the most effective strategy. The AHA notes that its Life’s Essential 8 guidance can help improve heart health and decrease risk. The guidance includes the following:
- Eating well
- Staying active
- Quitting tobacco
- Getting healthy sleep
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Controlling cholesterol
- Managing blood sugar
- Controlling blood pressure
Simple lifestyle adjustments, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet, act as the first line of defense against the nation’s leading killer.