Heart attack deaths are down—but these conditions are now claiming more lives
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.
If you grew up at a time when a heart attack was considered a likely cause of death, today’s numbers may come as a welcome surprise.
Thanks to decades of medical advancements, healthier lifestyle campaigns, and improved emergency care, the death rate from heart attacks in the US has dropped nearly 90% over the past 50 years.
That’s an encouraging sign of progress—and it means many of us are living longer than ever before.
But there’s another side to the story.
While heart attack deaths have declined, other types of heart disease are becoming more common—and in some cases, more deadly.
Doctors are now seeing a rise in conditions like arrhythmias, heart failure, and hypertension-related heart disease.
These emerging threats are changing how we think about heart health.
Fewer heart attacks, thanks to decades of progress
In 1970, heart attacks were responsible for over half of all heart-related deaths in the US.
But by 2022, that number dropped to just 29%. This dramatic improvement reflects advances in both prevention and treatment.
Doctors now have more tools than ever to treat heart attacks, including clot-dissolving medications, surgical interventions like stents and bypasses, and devices that can restore normal rhythm during a cardiac emergency.
Public health efforts have also played a role—statins, blood pressure management, smoking cessation campaigns, and better awareness about symptoms have all made a difference.
Dr. Sara King, the lead author of a major study from Stanford University, summed it up: “There have been great strides made in helping people survive initial acute cardiac events that were once considered a death sentence.”
Also read: Are you missing the heart-healthy ingredient cardiologists swear by?
The rise of other serious heart conditions
While it’s a relief that heart attack deaths are down, deaths from other heart diseases have risen by 81% since 1970.
The three main culprits? Arrhythmias, heart failure, and hypertensive heart disease.
Also read: Why men with broken heart syndrome are more likely to die, according to experts
Why the shift? Experts point to multiple causes
Several key factors are driving this change in heart disease patterns:
Dr. Latha Palaniappan, senior author of the Stanford study, emphasized the importance of a long-term strategy: “Heart disease hasn’t gone away. The focus now must be on helping people age with strong, healthy hearts by preventing events, and prevention can start as early as childhood.”
Also read: Are you skipping this daily habit? Scientists say it could put your heart at risk
Staying alive—and staying well
Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist involved in the study, offered this perspective: “It’s one thing to be alive, it’s another to be alive and well.”
Many people who survive a heart attack or other heart condition face fatigue, medication side effects, and lifestyle limitations.
Heart failure, in particular, can make even simple tasks like walking across the room feel exhausting.
That’s why prevention and early action remain critical—not just for living longer, but for living better.
Also read: Cholesterol truths: what the experts say about keeping your heart healthy
What you can do to protect your heart
No matter your age, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and support heart health:
We’ve made real progress in fighting heart attacks, but we can’t let our guard down.
New threats are emerging, and managing heart health requires attention at every stage of life.
From arrhythmias to heart failure, the conversation is shifting—but the goal remains the same: living longer, healthier lives.
Read next: Is your go-to way to relax actually putting your heart at risk? Here’s what cardiologists say
Have you or someone you love experienced heart disease? What changes have you made to take care of your heart? Let us know in the comments—your story might inspire someone else to take that next step.
If you grew up at a time when a heart attack was considered a likely cause of death, today’s numbers may come as a welcome surprise.
Thanks to decades of medical advancements, healthier lifestyle campaigns, and improved emergency care, the death rate from heart attacks in the US has dropped nearly 90% over the past 50 years.
That’s an encouraging sign of progress—and it means many of us are living longer than ever before.
But there’s another side to the story.
While heart attack deaths have declined, other types of heart disease are becoming more common—and in some cases, more deadly.
Doctors are now seeing a rise in conditions like arrhythmias, heart failure, and hypertension-related heart disease.
These emerging threats are changing how we think about heart health.
Heart health is evolving—fewer heart attacks, but new risks are on the rise. Image Source: Pexels / Towfiqu barbhuiya.
Fewer heart attacks, thanks to decades of progress
In 1970, heart attacks were responsible for over half of all heart-related deaths in the US.
But by 2022, that number dropped to just 29%. This dramatic improvement reflects advances in both prevention and treatment.
Doctors now have more tools than ever to treat heart attacks, including clot-dissolving medications, surgical interventions like stents and bypasses, and devices that can restore normal rhythm during a cardiac emergency.
Public health efforts have also played a role—statins, blood pressure management, smoking cessation campaigns, and better awareness about symptoms have all made a difference.
Dr. Sara King, the lead author of a major study from Stanford University, summed it up: “There have been great strides made in helping people survive initial acute cardiac events that were once considered a death sentence.”
Also read: Are you missing the heart-healthy ingredient cardiologists swear by?
The rise of other serious heart conditions
While it’s a relief that heart attack deaths are down, deaths from other heart diseases have risen by 81% since 1970.
The three main culprits? Arrhythmias, heart failure, and hypertensive heart disease.
- Arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, are responsible for a growing number of deaths—up by 450%. Conditions like atrial fibrillation can disrupt the heart’s electrical system, raising the risk of stroke, heart failure, or sudden death.
- Heart failure happens when the heart muscle weakens over time and can no longer pump blood efficiently. Often a result of high blood pressure or prior heart damage, heart failure deaths have jumped by 146%.
- Hypertensive heart disease is caused by long-term high blood pressure that slowly damages the heart and blood vessels. Deaths from this condition have more than doubled since 1970.
Also read: Why men with broken heart syndrome are more likely to die, according to experts
Why the shift? Experts point to multiple causes
Several key factors are driving this change in heart disease patterns:
- We’re living longer. Better treatment means more people survive heart attacks—but that also means they live long enough to face other heart issues, like arrhythmias or heart failure.
- Chronic health issues are more common. Obesity rates have climbed from 15% in 1970 to 40% today. Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure are also on the rise, putting added strain on the heart.
- The population is aging. With baby boomers reaching older age, more people are now in the age group most vulnerable to heart disease.
Dr. Latha Palaniappan, senior author of the Stanford study, emphasized the importance of a long-term strategy: “Heart disease hasn’t gone away. The focus now must be on helping people age with strong, healthy hearts by preventing events, and prevention can start as early as childhood.”
Also read: Are you skipping this daily habit? Scientists say it could put your heart at risk
Staying alive—and staying well
Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist involved in the study, offered this perspective: “It’s one thing to be alive, it’s another to be alive and well.”
Many people who survive a heart attack or other heart condition face fatigue, medication side effects, and lifestyle limitations.
Heart failure, in particular, can make even simple tasks like walking across the room feel exhausting.
That’s why prevention and early action remain critical—not just for living longer, but for living better.
Also read: Cholesterol truths: what the experts say about keeping your heart healthy
What you can do to protect your heart
No matter your age, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and support heart health:
- Stay active. Even moderate activity—like a brisk daily walk—can help. Aim for 150 minutes of movement each week.
- Eat well. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats. Limit processed foods and added salt or sugar.
- Track key numbers. Keep an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. If they’re high, work with your doctor to manage them.
- Pay attention to changes. Don’t ignore symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats—they may be early warning signs.
- Stay connected. Loneliness can impact heart health. Keep in touch with family, friends, and your wider community (including The GrayVine!).
We’ve made real progress in fighting heart attacks, but we can’t let our guard down.
New threats are emerging, and managing heart health requires attention at every stage of life.
From arrhythmias to heart failure, the conversation is shifting—but the goal remains the same: living longer, healthier lives.
Read next: Is your go-to way to relax actually putting your heart at risk? Here’s what cardiologists say
Have you or someone you love experienced heart disease? What changes have you made to take care of your heart? Let us know in the comments—your story might inspire someone else to take that next step.
