Americans feel optimistic about ageing well, but many overlook heart disease risks, according to a Cleveland Clinic survey

• Nearly 1 in 4 Americans are unsure whether they are at high risk of developing heart disease, even though 69% admit to having at least one risk factor.

Cleveland. As general interest in longevity and healthy ageing continues to grow, a new national Cleveland Clinic survey reveals a gap between the public’s overall confidence and its awareness of heart health.

According to the 2026 report, nearly 1 in 4 Americans (24%) are unsure whether they are at high risk of heart disease, even though 69% say they have at least one known risk factor, including high blood pressure (31%), high cholesterol (24%), family medical history (23%), obesity (20%), poor diet (18%), a sedentary lifestyle (17%), unmanaged daily stress (16%), sleep apnoea (15%), smoking (14%) and diabetes (13%).

“Healthy ageing is built on prevention,” said Samir Kapadia, M.D., chair of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. “Heart disease often develops silently over decades, so understanding your risk factors, addressing them early and staying active can make a profound difference to both quality of life and longevity.”

The survey shows that Americans see longevity as achievable through everyday behaviours, not through costly treatments or cutting-edge technology. When asked what longevity means to them, respondents prioritised:

• Staying physically active and mobile as they age (62%)
• Maintaining cognitive health and mental sharpness (56%)
• Preserving independence and quality of life (56%)

Only 5% associated longevity with expensive or exclusive medical treatments, and only 6% saw it as something reserved for celebrities or wealthy people.

Although 7 in 10 Americans (70%) believe the heart is in its best condition between the ages of 20 and 30, almost all (95%) agree that there are steps people can take at any stage of life to improve longevity and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Among the factors measured, exercise (41%) and a balanced diet (25%) were chosen as the two most effective ways to protect heart health, followed by maintaining a healthy weight (23%), having regular medical check-ups (20%) and managing stress (20%).

Although many Americans say that over the past decade they have experienced more stress in their lives (33%), get fewer hours of sleep (29%) and have gained weight (29%), most say they are making meaningful improvements to their health. Most Americans (84%) say they have made at least one positive change, including:

• Eating more healthily (40%)
• Being more aware of their health numbers (36%)
• Exercising more (27%)
• Improving their sleep (25%)

Even though 72% of Americans feel confident in their ability to maintain heart health as they age, many remain unaware of common risk factors. Almost half (49%) do not know that diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, and more than 4 in 10 (44%) are unaware that physical inactivity is a major factor. Many are also unaware of women’s risk of heart disease after menopause (71%).

Americans want to age well and believe healthy longevity is within their reach, but many underestimate the risks that can affect heart health. This American Heart Month, Cleveland Clinic’s Love Your Heart campaign encourages everyone to understand their personal risk, stay proactive and make informed decisions that support lifelong heart health.

About Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical centre 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 on 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 recognised in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 77,000 employees worldwide are more than 5,658 salaried physicians and researchers, and 19,000 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,699-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, more than 275 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2022, there were 12.8 million outpatient encounters, 303,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 270,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system.