The Growing Threat of Heart Disease: A Call to Care for the Body as God’s Temple

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with risk factors continuing to rise. As faithful Catholics, we are called to honor the gift of life and care for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Yet, the latest findings from the American Heart Association’s annual report, 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, highlight concerning trends that demand both medical and spiritual attention.

A Widespread Health Crisis

According to the report, published in the AHA’s journal Circulation on January 27, cardiovascular disease claims more lives than all types of cancer and accidental deaths combined. In 2022, 941,652 people died from heart disease-related conditions, marking an increase of more than 10,000 deaths from the prior year.

Dr. Keith Churchwell, the volunteer president of the American Heart Association, issued a sobering reminder: “Someone dies of heart disease every 34 seconds in the U.S., and a total of 2,500 die per day” (American Heart Association). He added, “Those are alarming statistics to me – and they should be alarming for all of us.”

While some progress has been made in reducing smoking rates and high cholesterol, other risk factors are worsening. Diabetes, obesity, and hypertension are on the rise, putting millions more at risk. Dr. Bradley Serwer, a Maryland-based cardiologist, warned, “We are making some improvements in regard to improved prevalence of hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and lower incidence of smoking, but have lost ground in regard to diabetes, obesity, and hypertension” (Fox News Digital).

The Moral Imperative to Care for Our Health

As Catholics, we believe in the sanctity of life and the importance of caring for the body God has given us. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them” (CCC 2288). The rise in preventable conditions such as obesity and diabetes challenges us to take responsibility for our well-being, not only for ourselves but for the sake of our families and communities.

The AHA report revealed that more than 72% of U.S. adults have an unhealthy weight (BMI of 25 or higher), with nearly 42% meeting the criteria for obesity (BMI of 30 or higher). Even more concerning, 57% of adults have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, conditions that significantly increase the risk of heart disease.

These statistics reflect more than a health crisis—they signal a deeper need for discipline, self-control, and a commitment to living out the virtues of prudence and temperance. St. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 9:27, “I discipline my body and bring it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

Disparities and the Need for Compassionate Action

The report also highlighted disparities among racial and ethnic groups. Black women were found to have the highest rate of obesity (57.9%), while Asian women had the lowest (14.5%). Additionally, Black women also had the highest rate of high blood pressure (58.4%), while Hispanic women had the lowest (35.3%).

As followers of Christ, we are called to advocate for health equity and support those in our communities who face obstacles to better health. Pope Francis has frequently spoken about the importance of caring for the poor and vulnerable, reminding us that access to healthcare and wellness resources is a moral issue.

Hope and the Path Forward

Despite these challenges, there is hope. The report noted that high cholesterol rates have dropped, thanks to “improved dietary and lifestyle factors, availability of medications and better clinical control.” Medical advancements are providing new therapies for obesity, which Dr. Churchwell called “encouraging signs.” However, he warned that “We need to stop these risk factors in their tracks, keep people healthy throughout their lifespan.”

As Catholics, we must embrace a holistic approach to health—one that includes prayer, discipline, medical care, and a commitment to healthy living. Our faith teaches that caring for the body is an act of gratitude to God. By making small changes—eating nutritious foods, staying active, avoiding harmful habits, and prioritizing mental and spiritual well-being—we honor the life He has given us.

Dr. Serwer emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Just because we are seeing improvements in smoking and high cholesterol doesn’t mean we can back off… We need to continue to aggressively attack tobacco use and treat hyperlipidemia while increasing efforts to treat obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes” (Fox News Digital).

A Catholic Call to Action

As we face this growing health crisis, let us remember that we are stewards of the bodies God has entrusted to us. We can take inspiration from St. Benedict’s Rule, which emphasizes moderation, balance, and care for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

Through prayer, discipline, and a renewed focus on our physical well-being, we can work together to reduce the impact of heart disease. In doing so, we fulfill Christ’s call to love both ourselves and our neighbors (Mark 12:31). Let us honor God’s gift of life by caring for our hearts and the hearts of those around us.

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