Heart Attack Deaths are Down, But Heart Disease Remains the Nation’s Leading Cause of Death

10/24/2025

Deaths from heart attack have dropped by nearly 90 percent over the past 50 years, but deaths by other heart conditions have increased over the same period. The heart attack survival rate has improved thanks to advances in treatment and intervention, but rising cases of atrial fibrillation and arrhythmias, heart failure, and hypertensive heart disease are now the leading causes of death among heart conditions.

Likely contributing to these increases, more people in the U.S. have the heart disease risk factors of obesity, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, poor food choices and inactivity. An estimated 50 percent of adults have diabetes or pre-diabetes and nearly 50 percent of adults have hypertension. These chronic conditions cause functional changes in the way the body works, and can accelerate the development of heart related illness.

“Medical care for heart attacks and heart disease has advanced significantly since 1970, and this gives patients more chances to survive and live longer,” said April Gallagher, MSN, cardiology nurse practitioner with Keys Medical Group Cardiology. “Even so, heart disease remains the leading cause of death overall. If you have a condition such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation or hypertensive heart disease, it’s critical to work with your provider for treatment to manage symptoms and protect your quality of life.”

Baby Boomers are reaching the age when they are more likely to develop heart disease. Age itself is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease even without other risk factors. A regular relationship with a primary care provider will help identify symptoms or risk factors that signal possible concern. If your doctor suspects you have heart disease, you may be referred to a cardiovascular specialist for further diagnostic testing and treatment to help manage symptoms and prevent events.

“With any heart condition, it is critical to follow your provider’s recommended treatment plan to help you live a longer, more active life. Your provider may also recommend making healthier choices with diet and activity level and managing any risk factors you may have such as cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes,” said Gallagher.

Genetic predisposition and age cannot be changed, but there are plenty of other actions you can take to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Choose healthy foods, minimize your salt intake, stay active with exercise and stay away from smoking. Alcohol and substances such as cannabinoids increase cardiovascular risk. Other risk factors include being overweight/obese, stress, and having high cholesterol or diabetes.

Keys Medical Group Cardiology provides a range of cardiology services from Giovanni Campanile, M.D., FACC, board-certified cardiologist, April Gallagher, AGACNP-BC, and Cesar Jara, M.D., board-certified interventional cardiologist. Make an ongoing relationship with a medical provider an important part of supporting your heart’s health. Find a provider at KeysMedicalGroup.com.

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