More than 60 million women in the United States are living with cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is also the leading cause of death among women, who are more likely than men to die from a heart attack. In fact, a third of the health gap between US men and women, as measured in potential years of healthy life, is due to CVD. If the gap between men’s and women’s heart health is closed, the United States could possibly add $28 billion in GDP by 2040, say senior partner Lucy Pérez, partner Megan Greenfield, and coauthors.
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A treemap shows the estimated share of the US women’s health gap in 2040, by condition. The chart is divided into 5 categories, with cardiovascular disease accounting for 34%, or over one-third, of the total health gap. The next largest category is cancer, which accounts for 25% of the gap. Chronic respiratory disease, mental disorders, and bone, joint, and tendon diseases each account for 7% of the gap. All other conditions account for 21% of the gap.
Figures do not sum to 100%, because of rounding, and estimates are based on total disability-adjusted life years.
Source: McKinsey Health Institute analysis.
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To read the report, see “The state of US women’s heart health: A path to improved health and financial outcomes,” June 25, 2024.