Many Americans Unaware of Own Heart Disease Risk, Survey Finds

Cleveland Clinic survey shows majority have at least one risk factor, but nearly 25% unsure of their personal risk.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:23am

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A new Cleveland Clinic survey finds that nearly one in four Americans are unsure if they have an increased risk of heart disease, despite the majority indicating they have at least one risk factor such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. The survey also shows that while many Americans report being more stressed, getting less sleep, or gaining weight, they are still taking steps to improve their health, with 40% improving their diet and 27% exercising more.

Why it matters

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, so understanding personal risk factors and taking proactive steps to improve heart health is crucial. The survey results highlight the need for more public health education around heart disease prevention and risk factors.

The details

The survey, conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, found that a majority of Americans have at least one risk factor for heart disease, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. However, nearly one in four respondents said they were unsure if they had an increased risk. Other risk factors identified in the survey include smoking, obesity, poor diet, lack of sleep, and sedentary behavior. Despite these risk factors, the survey also showed that many Americans are taking steps to improve their health, with 40% reporting they have improved their diet and 27% exercising more.

  • The survey was conducted in February 2026, which is American Heart Month.

The players

Cleveland Clinic

A nonprofit academic medical center that is one of the largest and most respected hospitals in the United States, known for its excellence in clinical care, research, and education.

Ashish Sarraju, MD

A cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic who commented on the survey findings.

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What they’re saying

“It's actually not that surprising. A lot of these risk factors for heart disease are silent. And sometimes there are things that you may not have thought about, including your family history.”

— Ashish Sarraju, MD, Cardiologist (Cleveland Clinic)

“Sedentary behavior, you're sitting, not really moving, so it's not just about are you exercising.”

— Ashish Sarraju, MD, Cardiologist (Cleveland Clinic)

“Diet and exercise have this encompassing effect. A healthy diet can lead to improved blood pressure, improved cholesterol, it can prevent diabetes and it can help control weight. Regular exercise can help mood. It can help sleep quality.”

— Ashish Sarraju, MD, Cardiologist (Cleveland Clinic)

“These results emphasize the need for public health education and for people to seek out information about their own risk factors and how to tackle them.”

— Ashish Sarraju, MD, Cardiologist (Cleveland Clinic)

What’s next

The Cleveland Clinic plans to use the survey findings to inform future public health education campaigns around heart disease prevention and risk factors.

The takeaway

This survey highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of personal heart disease risk factors among the general public. By taking proactive steps like improving diet, increasing exercise, and seeking information from healthcare providers, Americans can better manage their heart health and reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.