However, there’s another important shift happening that’s not getting enough attention: the types of heart and blood vessel problems people are developing are changing too.
A New Mix of Heart Conditions
Recent large-scale studies involving millions of people have revealed a striking trend. While heart attacks and strokes have continued to decline, other cardiovascular problems are on the rise.
Conditions such as irregular heart rhythms (like atrial fibrillation), heart failure, valve diseases, and blood clots in the veins (known as venous thromboembolism) are becoming more common. In fact, atrial fibrillation is now the single most frequently diagnosed heart condition in many countries.
This means that diseases once considered “less common” are now making up a much bigger share of the overall heart disease burden. Together, these conditions now account for more than half of all new cardiovascular diagnoses.
Why the Change?
Part of the reason is positive: we’re getting better at detecting and treating heart problems. Advances in diagnostic technology, greater awareness, and improved survival after heart attacks mean more people live long enough to develop other heart-related conditions.
But biological and lifestyle factors also play a part. Obesity, inactivity, and aging all increase the risk of developing non-atherosclerotic heart conditions - those not directly caused by blocked arteries.
Read the full story on the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health website.