In what it calls a “troubling forecast,” the American Heart Association says almost six in 10 women across the U.S. could develop some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050 if current trends continue. The forecast, release Feb. 25, highlights rising rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and other factors that contribute to heart disease, stroke and related conditions. It’s not just older adults: the report finds that younger women and even girls could experience increased risk unless they adopt heart-healthy habits such as regular exercise, better nutrition and regular medical screenings. “You can start doing something now to prevent something that’s going to happen 10 to 20 years from now,” said Dr. Rina Mauricio, director of women’s cardiovascular health at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
