Cleveland Clinic Survey: Floridians Optimistic About Aging Well, But Many Overlook Heart Disease Risks

As interest in longevity and healthy aging continues to grow, a new Cleveland Clinic survey reveals a disconnect between confidence and awareness when it comes to heart health among Floridians.

According to the 2026 report, roughly 1 in 5 Floridians (21%) are unsure whether they have an increased risk of heart disease, despite 67% reporting at least one known risk factor including:

• High blood pressure (30%)
• High cholesterol (25%)
• Family history (19%)
• Obesity (18%)
• Sedentary lifestyle (17%)
• Poor diet (14%)
• Diabetes (13%)
• Sleep apnea (12%)
• Smoking (12%)
• Daily unmanaged stress (11%)

“The annual Cleveland Clinic heart survey is an important educational initiative that highlights the need for greater awareness around heart health,” said Jose Navia, M.D., Vice Chief of the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute in the Cleveland Clinic Florida Market. “As interest in longevity and healthy aging continues to grow, these findings remind us that taking steps to care for your heart is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease and support long-term health at every stage of life.”

The survey found that Floridians view longevity as something achievable through everyday behaviors rather than expensive treatments or cutting-edge technology. When asked what longevity means to them, respondents most often cited:

• Staying physically active and mobile as they age (58%)
• Maintaining cognitive health and mental sharpness (55%)
• Feeling healthy and energetic throughout life (52%)
• Preserving independence and quality of life in older age (50%)

Only 5% associated longevity with expensive or elite medical treatments, and just 4% viewed it as something reserved for celebrities or the wealthy.

While 65% of Floridians believe heart health peaks in a person’s 20s or 30s, nearly all respondents (94%) agree there are steps individuals can take at any age to improve longevity and reduce heart disease risk.

When asked about the top two most effective ways to protect heart health, Floridians most frequently selected regular exercise (40%) and eating a balanced diet (26%), followed by maintaining a healthy weight (24%), attending regular check-ups (21%), and managing stress (18%).

Additional perceptions of longevity included prioritizing healthy lifestyle habits (44%), reducing the risk of chronic disease (36%), and slowing aging or extending lifespan through science, technology or biohacking methods (16%).

Despite reporting higher stress levels (31%), less sleep (29%), and weight gain (26%) over the past decade, most Floridians (83%) say they have made at least one positive health change. These include eating healthier (40%), being more conscious of health numbers (39%), visiting the doctor regularly (33%), and exercising more (28%).

Although 74% of Floridians feel confident in their ability to maintain heart health as they age, awareness gaps persist. More than half (51%) are unaware that diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart disease, and 47% do not recognize that physical inactivity is a major contributor. Many are also unaware that women face an increased risk of heart disease after menopause (72%).

The survey was conducted as part of Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute’s “Love Your Heart” consumer education campaign in recognition of American Heart Month in February.

For more information, visit: clevelandclinic.org/loveyourheart.

Methodology

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,016 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between Dec. 2 - 10, 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Florida adults (aged 18+).