Figures released by the American Heart Association on Thursday have estimated that over the next year, a whopping $503.2 Billion would be spent across the country for treatment of cardiovascular diseases and strokes, which is an increase of 6%, and that too when many of these cases could have been easily prevented.

The huge figure has taken into account both healthcare costs and lost productivity on the account of death and disease.

"Current statistical data show Americans to be on average overweight, physically inactive and eating a diet that is too high in calories, sodium, fat and sugar. One reason it will cost us more to treat tomorrow's patients is because there will be more of them if current trends continue", said Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, head of the American Heart Association Statistics Committee.

According to the association, rapidly rising obesity, low exercise levels practiced and poor diet, all have come together to contribute to the increase in cost of healthcare required for heart troubles.

The detailed report has been published online in the journal Circulation.