Study: 8 Million Americans Could Have Heart Disease By 2030

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- In today's Health Watch, heart failure is going to become a much bigger problem, and a bigger burden, on our health system in the coming years.

The American Heart Association estimates that as baby boomers age the number of Americans with the disease will jump 45 percent to 8 million by 2030.

There are a number of risk factors for developing heart failure including things like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and older age.

The study's co-author says it's still possible to reverse the trend.

"Prevention is really key. Heart failure can be prevented in many individuals if there is more appropriate early detection of those with risk factors for heart failure and aggressive treatment," said Dr. Gregg Fonarow, a UCLA cardiologist.

According to the American Heart Assocation, the costs to treat heart failure could more than double to $70 billion in less than 20 years.