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SearchNearly 1 in 4 Americans aren’t sure if they’re at increased risk for heart disease, despite 69% having at least one risk factor
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As interest in longevity and healthy aging continues to grow, a new national survey from Cleveland Clinic reveals a gap between confidence and awareness when it comes to heart health.
According to the 2026 report, nearly 1 in 4 Americans (24%) aren’t sure whether they are at increased risk for heart disease, even though 69% report at least one known risk factor including:
“Healthy aging is about prevention,” said Samir Kapadia, M.D., chair of cardiovascular medicine at Cleveland Clinic. “Heart disease often develops silently over decades, which is why staying active, understanding your risk factors, and addressing them early can make a profound difference in both quality of life and longevity.”
The survey shows Americans see longevity as achievable through everyday behaviors, not expensive treatments or cutting-edge technology. When asked what longevity means to them, respondents prioritized:
Only 5% associated longevity with expensive or elite medical treatments, and just 6% viewed it as something reserved for celebrities or the wealthy.
While 7 in 10 Americans (70%) believe the heart is in peak condition in a person’s 20s or 30s, nearly everyone (95%) agrees there are steps people can take at any stage of life to improve longevity and reduce heart disease risk.
Exercise (41%) and eating a balanced diet (25%) were selected among the top two most effective ways to protect heart health, followed by maintaining a healthy weight (23%), getting regular checkups (20%), and managing stress (20%).
Even as many Americans report rising stress (33%), less sleep (29%) and weight gain (29%) over the past decade, the majority are making meaningful health improvements. Most Americans (84%) say they’ve made at least one positive change, including:
Although 72% of Americans feel confident in their ability to maintain heart health as they age, many remain unaware of common risk factors. Nearly half (49%) don’t know that diabetes increases heart disease risk, and more than 4 in 10 (44%) are unaware that physical inactivity is a major contributor. Many are also unaware of women’s heart disease risk after menopause (71%).
Americans want to age well and believe healthy longevity is within reach, but many underestimate the everyday risks that can impact heart health. This American Heart Month, Cleveland Clinic’s Love Your Heart campaign encourages people to understand their personal risk, stay proactive and make informed choices that support lifelong heart health.
For more information, go to: clevelandclinic.org/loveyourheart
Methodology
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1273 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between Dec. 3-4, 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+).
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 82,600 employees worldwide are more than 5,786 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,700 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,728-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 280 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2024, there were 15.7 million outpatient encounters, 333,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 320,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 112 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at x.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources are available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
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