Heart failure Rates Surge in the US, Costs Expected to Skyrocket

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Washington D.C. – A newly released report indicates a dramatic increase in both the prevalence and financial burden of heart failure (HF) across the United States. The data, released this week, reveals that approximately 6.7 million Americans over the age of 20 currently live with this condition, a figure projected to climb to 8.7 million by 2030.

Rising Prevalence and Mortality

The lifetime risk of developing heart failure has now reached 24 percent, meaning roughly one in four individuals will face this diagnosis during their lifetime. This represents a notable jump from previous decades, with a ten-year risk increasing from 2 percent in 1990 to 3 percent in 2015. Tragically, heart failure contributed to 425,147 deaths in the U.S. in 2022, accounting for 45 percent of all cardiovascular-related mortality.

The Economic Impact of Heart Failure

The escalating health crisis is not only impacting lives but also placing a considerable strain on the nation’s economy. Current projections estimate total expenses related to heart failure will reach a staggering $858 billion by 2050. In 2020,the direct costs associated with heart failure care reached $227 billion,with hospitalizations representing nearly 40 percent of those costs. The annual per-patient cost in 2017-2018 averaged $32,995.

Metric current (2025) projected (2030)
Prevalence (US Adults over 20) 6.7 Million 8.7 Million
Lifetime Risk 24% N/A
projected costs (2050) N/A $858 Billion

Disparities in Care and Treatment

Experts are also raising concerns about existing inequities in heart failure management. Approximately 25 percent of eligible patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are currently receiving guideline-directed medical therapy. Researchers believe widespread implementation of optimal treatment strategies could potentially save up to 1.19 million lives globally each year. Limited access to healthcare, coupled with socioeconomic factors, contribute to significant gaps in treatment and outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Data reveals that Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native individuals experience the highest rates of heart failure incidence and mortality. From 2010 to 2020, mortality rates increased more rapidly among Black patients compared to other groups, with the most pronounced impact observed in adults under the age of 65.

Comorbidities Fuel the Crisis

Underlying health conditions are playing a significant role in the rise of heart failure. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease are major drivers of HF risk. A growing number of individuals are living with multiple cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic conditions, with the proportion doubling between 1999-2002 and 2015-2020.

“Addressing this escalating epidemic requires a multifaceted approach focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and equitable access to evidence-based therapies,” stated a leading cardiologist familiar with the report findings. “we must prioritize interventions aimed at reducing risk factors and improving care coordination for all patients.”

Did You Know?: Heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working. It means the heart isn’t pumping blood as efficiently as it should to meet the body’s needs.

Pro Tip: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress can substantially reduce your risk of developing heart failure.

What steps do you think can be taken to address the disparities in heart failure care? Are you concerned about the rising costs of healthcare, and how might this impact access to treatment?