Doctors are urging Americans to pay closer attention to a major health threat that quietly claims more lives than cancer and dementia combined.

Many people assume cancer tops the list of deadly diseases. However, heart-related conditions remain the nation’s leading killer. In 2022 alone, cardiovascular disease caused nearly one million deaths in the United States. That equals one life lost about every half minute.

Experts from the American Heart Association say the danger often goes unnoticed. Unlike some illnesses, heart disease can develop slowly. In fact, it may cause no clear symptoms for years. As a result, many people feel well until serious damage has already occurred.

Although heart-related death rates have begun to level off since the pandemic, warning signs are growing. Nearly half of U.S. adults now have high blood pressure. Moreover, about three in four are overweight or obese. Diabetes and prediabetes are also rising, adding further strain on the heart.

Doctors warn that if these trends continue, two-thirds of adults could face obesity and high blood pressure by 2050. That would sharply increase future heart attacks and strokes.

At the same time, some progress offers hope. Smoking rates have dropped sharply over the past decades. Vaping among teenagers has also declined. These changes may help reduce long-term risk.

Still, specialists stress prevention remains critical. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and routine checkups can make a powerful difference. Heart disease is often preventable. With early action and better awareness, many lives could be saved before warning signs ever appear.