By Tarun Sai Lomte Reviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc. Jan 22 2026 From rising obesity and diabetes to stubborn health inequities, the AHA’s latest statistics reveal why cardiovascular disease remains the dominant threat to population health and what must change to reverse the trend. Report: 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Image Credit: crystal light / Shutterstock The 2026 American Heart Association ( AHA ) report,