Cardiometabolic Statistics: Why Numbers Matter
Understanding the scope of cardiometabolic disease and the importance of prevention.
The Hidden Crisis
A silent epidemic affecting millions before retirement age.
Cardiovascular Disease: Key Statistics
- Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States
- In 2023, about 919,000 deaths were attributed to cardiovascular disease
- This represents roughly 1 in every 3 deaths
- A death occurs every ~34 seconds from cardiovascular disease
A Rising Cardiometabolic Challenge
A large and growing burden, with many individuals undiagnosed or at high risk.
Diabetes in U.S. Adults
Total prevalence:
40.1 million people (12% of the U.S. population)
Diagnosed diabetes:
29.1 million people
Undiagnosed diabetes:
11.0 million people (~27.6%)
Prediabetes:
115.2 million adults (over 2 in 5)
New cases:
~1.5 million new diabetes diagnoses annually
Overweight and Obesity: A Growing Public Health Concern
High and rising prevalence across both adults and children reflects a significant cardiometabolic risk burden.
Adults
- 40.3% of U.S. adults have obesity
- Nearly 1 in 3 adults (31.7%) are overweight
- About 1 in 10 adults (9.7%) have severe obesity
Children& Adolescents (Ages 2-19)
- About 1 in 5 (21.1%) have obesity
- About 1 in 7 (15.7%) are overweight
- About 1 in 14 (7.0%) have severe obesity
Why South Asians Face Higher Cardiometabolic Risk
A distinct risk profile characterized by earlier onset, higher metabolic vulnerability, and underrecognized risk.
South Asian Cardiometabolic Risk
Coronary Artery Disease
- Nearly 2× higher risk compared to other ethnic groups
- Often present with fewer traditional risk markers
Type 2 Diabetes
- Up to 4× higher risk
- Develops at a younger age and lower BMI
- Higher insulin resistance despite “normal” weight
Early Heart Attacks
- Occur ~10 years earlier
- More common in the 30s–40s
- Risk may be underestimated due to standard lipid profiles
Lower BMI & LDL — Still Higher Risk
- Thin outside, fat inside (TOFI) phenotype
- Higher visceral fat despite lower body weight
- Normal LDL, but higher small dense particles and inflammation
South Asians need earlier screening, culturally tailored interventions, and lifestyle changes—regardless of BMI or cholesterol.
Know the Statistics.
Don’t become one.
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