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Heart disease continues to be the top cause of death in the United States, fueled by rising rates of hypertension, obesity, and other significant health risk factors. According to the 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics report published by the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular disease, which encompasses both heart disease and stroke, claims more lives annually than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths combined.
The statistics are sobering: on average, one person dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds, and from stroke, about every 3 minutes. AHA President Dr. Keith Churchwell, from Yale School of Medicine, expressed concern, stating, “These are alarming statistics to me — and they should be alarming for all of us — because it’s likely many among those whom we lose will be our friends and loved ones.”
In 2022, heart-related deaths reached 941,652, marking a rise of more than 10,000 over the previous year. However, the age-adjusted death rate attributed to cardiovascular disease decreased slightly from 233.3 to 224.3 per 100,000 individuals.
Rising Concern Over Kidney Disease
The report highlights a growing concern regarding kidney disease, which has seen an increase over the last decade. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence among Medicare beneficiaries rose from 9.2% in 2011 to 14.2% in 2021. The global prevalence of kidney disease has increased by more than 27% since 2010.
Dr. Seth Martin, Chair of the Writing Committee for the report, emphasized the link between cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. He explained, “Cardiovascular disease is a major contributor to kidney disease, and risk factors for both diseases are closely interrelated.”
The report also shows that one in three adults in the U.S. has three or more risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and kidney disease. The AHA now recognizes cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome as a health disorder due to the strong overlap between heart disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
Obesity Epidemic: A Growing Health Threat
The AHA report paints a concerning picture of obesity in the U.S., highlighting its devastating effects on public health. Nearly 47% of adults have hypertension, and more than 72% have an unhealthy weight, with 42% classified as obese. Obesity contributes to nearly 500,000 deaths each year and reduces life expectancy by up to 2.4 years.
Dr. Latha P. Palaniappan from Stanford University noted that excess weight is now responsible for more deaths than smoking, which has been on the decline in recent years. “Being overweight is the new smoking when it comes to health threats,” she said.
Dr. Dhruv Kazi, a cardiologist and health economist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, called for urgent action on obesity prevention and treatment, stating that now is the “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to address the obesity epidemic, especially with transformative weight-management therapies and a renewed focus on nutrition.
Disclaimer: This report is based on findings from the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics and should not replace professional medical advice. For personalized health concerns, individuals are encouraged to consult with healthcare professionals.
