Heart attack deaths have plummeted in US, but new cardiovascular threats emerge

Heart attack deaths have plummeted in US, but new cardiovascular threats emerge

Researchers warn of increases in heart failure, arrhythmias and hypertensive heart disease despite medical advances

Heart attack deaths have plummeted in recent years — but other types of cardiovascular disease still pose a major threat. (iStock)

While heart attack deaths have declined, other types of heart disease deaths — such as heart failure, hypertensive heart disease and arrhythmia — have risen in the last 50 years. (American Heart Association)

One common example of an arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation (AFib), which begins in the upper chambers of the heart. (American Heart Association)

"The next frontier in heart health must focus on preventing heart attacks, and also on helping people age with healthier hearts and avoiding chronic heart conditions later in life." (iStock)

The AHA calculates heart health based on an individual’s score for what it calls "Life’s Essential 8." Those who score high in those eight areas are, on average, six years younger biologically than their actual age. (American Heart Association)