A new study out of Duke University confirms what many cardiologists, myself included, have been noticing for years: heart failure is on the rise, and it’s affecting more people earlier in life than ever before.
Heart failure has traditionally been connected to aging, developing gradually as the heart weakens over time. However, the latest research shows a sharp increase in cases among adults under 45, with particularly high spikes among the Black community and residents of southern U.S. states.
These trends are undoing decades of progress. Between 1999 and 2009, heart failure rates declined, but since 2012, they have steadily increased. Now, more people are dying from heart failure than in 1999.
This is deeply concerning because, in many cases, heart failure is preventable. The problem is that early warning signs—like high blood pressure and diabetes—often go unrecognized or untreated. Systemic issues, such as limited access to health care, financial hardships, and gaps in education, also play a role and prevent people from getting the care they need before it’s too late.
The Role of Lifestyle in Heart Health
One of the most important things you can do for your heart is to stay active and eat a balanced diet. Our modern lifestyles—marked by inactivity and an increase in processed foods—are significant drivers of heart disease and other chronic conditions.
While fresh, organic foods can be expensive, and processed foods are often more affordable and convenient, even small changes can make a difference. Prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods and cutting back on sodium and sugar can have a lasting impact on your heart health.
Movement is just as critical. A great starting point is aiming for 30 to 45 minutes of walking at least four to five days a week. Walking isn’t just good for the heart; it helps relieve stress, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and boost your mood.
Don’t Wait—Get Checked Early and Often
Too often, people discover they have high blood pressure only after they’ve developed heart failure. This is one of the hardest things to witness because it means the damage has been accumulating for years.
When high blood pressure and diabetes go untreated, they can silently and irreversibly damage the heart and other organs. Since high blood pressure and diabetes don’t always cause symptoms, the only way to catch them early is through regular checkups.
If you haven’t had a physical in the past year, schedule one. These visits allow doctors to monitor changes in your health before they turn into major problems. And if you have a family history of heart disease, talk to your doctor about screenings that can help detect potential risks early.
The Reality of Heart Failure Treatment
There’s no cure for heart failure, but medications can help manage symptoms and slow its progression. That’s why prevention and early detection are so important.
Another challenge is that younger patients diagnosed with heart failure may need treatment for decades. Over time, long-term medication use can lead to complications, and options may become more limited. Additionally, some of the most effective medications can be expensive, and insurance companies don’t always cover them, leaving many patients struggling to afford their treatment.
Take Charge of Your Heart Health Now
The best way to protect yourself from becoming part of these troubling statistics is to take heart health seriously. Prevention starts with small, consistent steps like eating well, moving more, and staying on top of routine checkups. If you have risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes, manage them proactively with the help of your doctor.
Heart failure is on the rise, but it doesn’t have to be your future. Take charge of your heart health today, and give yourself the best chance for a longer, healthier life.
Bashar Obeidou, MD, is an interventional cardiologist at Jackson South Medical Center.
Bashar Obeidou, MD
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