Heart Disease Deaths Shifting: Non-Ischemic Causes on the Rise
While deaths from some heart ailments are declining, a concerning shift is occurring in the United States. Non-ischemic heart conditions, like heart failure, are now responsible for approximately half of all heart disease fatalities, demanding increased focus and new strategies.
Non-Ischemic Heart Disease: The New Frontier
Dr. Sarah King noted the positive trend of fewer deaths from ischemic heart disease. However, she emphasized the need to tackle the rise in non-ischemic heart disease deaths. The most common non-ischemic causes encompass heart failure, hypertensive heart disease, arrhythmias, and cardiac issues related to pulmonary conditions.
“Often it’s the passage of time that can lead to conditions such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure,”
—Dr. Sarah King
An increase in risk factors, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and inactivity, contributes to this trend. The CDC reports that nearly 40% of U.S. adults are now considered obese, amplifying the urgency of preventative measures. (CDC 2024)
Factors Contributing to the Shift
Better diagnostic tools and evolving disease definitions have also played a role in this shift. The aging U.S. population, with a life expectancy increase from 70.9 years in 1970 to 77.5 years in 2022, has given people more time to develop chronic conditions.
Addressing the Challenge
Dr. King believes the next step is discovering methods to age healthily. The study acknowledges that nationwide trends may obscure differences among subgroups. Factors like sex, race, and socioeconomic status can affect heart disease risk factors and access to care.
Dr. King plans to investigate specific subgroups to create more tailored interventions. The researchers involved in the study came from various institutions, including the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the American Heart Association, and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Despite advancements in healthcare, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. Dr. King remains optimistic, believing that continued research will result in improvements.
