Cardiovascular disease – the global health crisis we can’t ignore
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, 20.5 million deaths per year—one-third of all deaths globally. Despite medical advancements, prevention and early detection are major challenges, leaving millions at risk.
Our latest report, “Heart Disease in Numbers”, looks at the scale of the problem, the barriers to early diagnosis and how AI-powered health solutions can close the screening and prevention gap.
The state of heart disease: key insights from the report
Hypertension is often called a silent epidemic, and for good reason. Nearly half of adults with high blood pressure don’t know they have it, delaying treatment and increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack. Routine screenings are underutilized, leaving opportunities for prevention untapped. AI-powered health monitoring can fill the gap, making it easier to measure blood pressure and detect risks before complications arise.
The cost of cardiovascular disease is massive. In the US alone, treatment costs are projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2035. And yet, most healthcare systems underinvest in prevention—screenings, education, and early detection—instead of treatment. Investing in prevention today will save healthcare dollars and lives long-term.
Perhaps most importantly, research shows that 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Early intervention, monitoring, and simple lifestyle changes can make all the difference. Millions are at risk due to modifiable risk factors like smoking, obesity, inactivity. Public health initiatives combined with AI-powered screening tools can detect cardiovascular risks early—before they become life threatening.
Artificial intelligence is already playing a significant role in early disease detection. AI-powered health monitoring lets patients monitor health metrics like blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac workload in real time, no medical devices required. As AI evolves, digital tools will empower individuals, increase screening rates, and reduce undiagnosed cases.
About this report
The report examines the global burden of cardiovascular disease and why heart disease remains the leading cause of death. It highlights the role of hypertension in CVD mortality and why nearly half of cases go undiagnosed. It also explores the economic cost of treating CVD and how prevention strategies can reduce healthcare spending. Additionally, the report discusses the impact of AI-powered screening tools in improving early detection and accessibilit to promote better heart health.