Heart Attack Statistics and Risk Factors

See the facts and take action

Taking proactive steps today to live a healthier lifestyle can reduce the risk of another heart attack tomorrow. The more you understand what can put you at risk, the better you can work to manage those risks and prevent a future heart attack.

335,000
SURVIVORS

Every year, about 335,000 survivors have another heart attack.

47%

REDUCED WITH CARDIAC REHAB

Cardiac rehab was found to help reduce the chances of a repeat heart attack by 47%.

1 IN 4

About 1 out of 4 heart attacks is believed to be directly related to smoking.

EVERY

2.6

MINUTES

Every 2.6 minutes, a survivor has another heart attack.

Sticking to a treatment plan is crucial for every survivor’s recovery. If you’ve had a heart attack, discover a possible treatment option to discuss with your doctor.

LEARN ABOUT A TREATMENT OPTION

Demographics

When it comes to heart attacks, there are certain factors that you can’t always control, like your family’s medical history, race, age, gender, and ethnic heritage. Factors like these play a huge role in determining your risk of a heart attack. These facts may help you better understand your relationship with heart attack risk.

African Americans are susceptible to genetic differences that can cause higher blood pressure compared to Caucasian Americans, which may put them at a higher risk of a heart attack.

Mexican Americans, native Hawaiians, and some Asian-Americans have higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure which may increase the risk for heart attacks.

Men are at a greater risk of a heart attack than women are, and have heart attacks earlier in life.

Average age of first heart attack is 64.7 years for men and 72.2 years for women.

Heart attack symptoms in men vs. women

Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women. However, women may experience less obvious warning signs than men that leave them vulnerable. Learn the differences in signs so you know what to look for.