Heart disease deaths fall but remain the leading cause of death in the US.

A new American Heart Association report found annual heart disease deaths fell 2.7% from 2022 to 2023, though cardiovascular disease remains the top cause of death in the United States.

Fewer Americans died from heart disease between 2022 and 2023, according to a new report from the American Heart Association published in the journal Circulation. The report records a modest decline in annual heart disease deaths while noting that cardiovascular disease still causes more deaths than any other condition in the U.S. Declines were particularly notable for deaths tied to coronary artery blockages. The report also highlights persistent and shifting risk patterns, including high blood pressure and rising obesity among young people. Key findings: - Annual heart disease deaths decreased 2.7%, from 941,652 in 2022 to 915,973 in 2023, as reported by the AHA. - Deaths linked to coronary artery blockages dropped 5.9%, from 371,506 to 349,470 over the same period. - The share of U.S. adults with high blood pressure rose to 47.3%; overall obesity was reported at 50%, while obesity among ages 2–19 increased from 25.4% to 28.1%. - The report emphasizes prevention, listing four lifestyle behaviors and four health metrics associated with lower heart disease risk and noting potential large reductions in deaths if those factors are addressed. Summary: The AHA report shows a small recent decline in heart disease deaths but confirms cardiovascular disease remains the nation’s leading cause of death and a substantial economic burden. The authors and interviewed cardiologists highlight prevention and risk-factor management as central themes, and specific national next steps or policy actions are undetermined at this time.