ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – New study projects 6 in 10 women will have cardiovascular disease by 2050
The American Heart Association is warning that heart disease and stroke are on the rise for women and young girls, as new data projects a significant increase in cardiovascular disease cases over the next several decades.
A study published in the journal Circulation projects that six in 10 women will have at least one type of cardiovascular disease by 2050, up from five in 10 in 2020. Increasing rates of high blood pressure, driven in part by obesity, are identified as a primary factor. Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all cancers combined, and fewer than half of women in the country are aware that heart disease is their greatest health threat.
Adolescent diabetes rates also climbing
Obesity is also linked to a rise in diabetes among young people. Nearly one-third of American adolescents now have either prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, according to a survey by researchers in Chicago of approximately 2,000 children ages 10 to 19. The survey found waist-to-height ratio is the strongest predictor of developing either condition.
GLP-1 drugs show cardiovascular benefit when paired with lifestyle changes
A Harvard School of Public Health study tracked adults with Type 2 diabetes and found that those using GLP-1 drugs alongside healthy lifestyle changes were able to significantly reduce their risk for major cardiovascular events, including heart attack or stroke. The study found that GLP-1 drugs used alone carry some benefits, but far fewer than when combined with sustained behavioral changes.
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