Heart disease risk among women is rising — and younger women are no longer considered low risk. A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association warns that women ages 20–44 and women of color face disproportionate risk, and by 2050, 6 in 10 U.S. women are expected to develop some form of cardiovascular disease.
Despite the common perception that heart attacks primarily affect men, cardiovascular disease remains the leading health threat to women. More than 60 million women in the U.S. are living with heart disease, stroke, heart failure or atrial fibrillation, and heart disease continues to claim tens of thousands of women’s lives each year.
As part of the fight against heart disease, the AHA introduced “Life’s Essential 8,” a set of key measures shown to improve and maintain cardiovascular health. These evidence-based metrics emphasize healthier lifestyle habits and routine health monitoring that can significantly reduce risk.
MedBen WellLiving helps employers put prevention into practice. By promoting annual wellness exams and recommended screenings, WellLiving supports prevention and early detection of risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes — along with women-specific concerns — before they lead to more serious conditions.
WellLiving clients spend an average of 8.1% less on heart disease care than non-WellLiving clients — demonstrating that when prevention is prioritized, both employers and plan members benefit. To learn more about how WellLiving can benefit your group, contact your broker or MedBen Marketing for additional information.