Understand Your Risk for Heart Failure

One in five Americans will develop heart failure

Although heart failure (HF) may limit your activities and hurt your health, recent research brings new hope and effective strategies. Even though the number of people facing heart failure is on the rise, many people living with heart failure find treatment options that can help them continue living full and meaningful lives — and we are here to support them.

Who is at risk?

In some ways, we are all at risk, especially as we age. That's one reason it's so important to develop heart-healthy habits earlier in life.

HF by the numbers

Chart on heart failure - Estimated 46% increase in people living with HF

  • Likelihood: Of all adults 40 and older, one in five Americans will develop heart failure in their lifetime.
  • Number of people: Today, more than 6 million Americans are living with HF and the number is predicted to rise by 46 percent over the next 15 years. That means nearly 8 million Americans are estimated to be living with HF by 2030.
  • Risk factors: Certain conditions like high blood pressure increase the risks for eventual heart failure. (It's worth noting that one out of every three American adults has high blood pressure.)

Read more about causes and conditions and how you can lower your risks.

What risks are increased when a person develops HF?

HF is a very costly condition. It can interfere with your quality of life, sapping your energy as well as your finances.

  • Overall national costs: Today, HF costs Americans about $30 billion dollars each year, and the costs are expected to rise to almost $70 billion by 2030.
  • Hospitalization: About 80 percent of those costs are due to hospitalization.
  • Quality of life costs: In addition to time and money spent for hospital care, heart failure costs can also include lost wages and work time, as well as lost productivity at home. Sadly, of course, there's also the immeasurable cost of losing family members too early.

Additional Indirect Costs Include work loss, household productivity loss, premature mortality loss - Infographic

Simply put, managing heart failure is difficult for both those who have the diagnosis and for their family members. But many people with heart failure can lead full, enjoyable lives – managing their condition with the proper care and healthy lifestyle changes.

Explore resources on our website and visit the Support Network to learn more about what you can do to Rise Above HF.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors.

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