American Heart Association

File:US Navy 090205-N-0807W-026 Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Genell Cody checks a Sailor's blood pressure during a.jpg

In 1924, cardiologists Paul Dudley White, Hugh D. McCulloch, Joseph Sailer, Robert H. Halsey, James B. Herrick, and Lewis A. Conner,{{cite journal | last=Fisher | first=Jeffrey | title=Lewis A. Conner | journal=Circulation | publisher=Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health) | volume=102 | issue=9 | date=2000-08-29 | issn=0009-7322 | doi=10.1161/01.cir.102.9.1062 | pages=1062–1067| pmid=10961973 | doi-access=free }} formed the Association for the Prevention and Relief of Heart Disease as a professional society for doctors. In 1948, the organization transitioned into a nationwide voluntary health organization.{{Cite web |title=American Heart Association Records |url=https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c8wq0b39/ |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=oac.cdlib.org}} Since 1949, it has funded over $5 billion in cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and brain health research.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-21 |title=American Heart Association invests in the future of heart and brain health research |url=https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230721/American-Heart-Association-invests-in-the-future-of-heart-and-brain-health-research.aspx |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=News-Medical.net |language=en}} The organization, now known as the American Heart Association, consists of over 33 million volunteers who are dedicated to improving heart health and reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the American Heart Association published several reports and guidelines focused on recommended lifestyles to improve cardiovascular health. This included a 1957 report that said: (1) Diet may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, (2) The fat content and total calories in the diet are probably important factors, (3) The ratio between saturated and unsaturated fat may be the basic determinant, and (4) A wide variety of other factors besides fat, both dietary and non-dietary, may be important.

By 1961, these findings had been strengthened, leading to the new 1961 American Heart Association recommendations: (1) Maintain a correct body weight, (2) Engage in moderate exercise, e.g., walking to aid in weight reduction, (3) Reduce intake of total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Increase intake of polyunsaturated fat, (4) Men with a strong family history of atherosclerosis should pay particular attention to diet modification, and (5) Dietary changes should be carried out under medical supervision. These recommendations continued to become more precise from 1957 to 1980, but there maintained "a general coherence among them".{{cite conference |url=http://jn.nutrition.org/content/128/2/449S.full |title=History of Recommendations to the Public about Dietary Fat |author-link=David Kritchevsky|author=Kritchevsky, David |conference=Experimental Biology 97, Evolution of Ideas about the Nutritional Value of Dietary Fat |publisher=American Society for Nutritional Science |date=9 April 1997 |location=New Orleans, LA}}

In 1994, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, an industry publication, released the results of the largest study of charitable and non-profit organization popularity and credibility. The study showed that the American Heart Association was ranked as the fifth "most popular charity/non-profit in America" of over 100 charities researched, with 95 percent of Americans over the age of 12 choosing the Love and Like A lot description categories."The Charities Americans Like Most And Least," The Chronicle of Philanthropy, December 13, 1996 and USA Today, December 20, 1994, "Charity begins with health", FINAL 01D

In 1998, the AHA created the American Stroke Association to help prevent strokes, improve treatments, and maximize recoveries. In 2003, the two organizations created the Get With the Guidelines (GWTG)-Stroke program.{{Cite journal |last1=Ormseth |first1=Cora H |last2=Sheth |first2=Kevin |date=2 June 2017 |title=The American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines (GWTG)-Stroke development and impact on stroke care |journal=Stroke and Vascular Neurology |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=94–105 |doi=10.1136/svn-2017-000092 |pmid=28959497 |pmc=5600018 }} It is a voluntary registry that hospitals can use to receive the latest scientific treatment guidelines.{{Cite web |last=Semancik |first=Alex |date=2023-10-02 |title=Memorial Health System recognized by American Heart Association |url=https://www.wtap.com/2023/10/02/memorial-health-system-recognized-by-american-heart-association/ |access-date=2023-10-30 |website= |language=en}} The program also collects data on patient characteristics, hospital adherence to guidelines, and patient outcomes.

In 2004 the American Heart Association launched the "Go Red for Women" campaign{{Cite web |title=History of the American Heart Association |url=https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/about-us/history/history-of-the-american-heart-association.pdf |access-date=2019-01-16 |publisher=American Heart Association}} specifically targeting women, with information about risks and action they can take to protect their health.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-03 |title=Go Red for Women: Nearly 20 Years of Much Progress, Some Setbacks |url=https://www.tctmd.com/news/go-red-women-nearly-20-years-much-progress-some-setbacks |access-date=2024-02-29 |website=TCTMD.com |language=en}} All revenues from the local and national campaigns go to support awareness, research, education and community programs to benefit women.{{cite web |title=About Go Red |url=https://www.goredforwomen.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301085301/https://www.goredforwomen.org/ |archive-date=1 March 2020 |access-date=29 August 2015 |publisher=goredforwomen.org}}

In 2008, the AHA recommended “hands only” CPR as an option for bystanders who want to help keep a cardiac arrest victim alive.{{Cite web |title=Hands-only CPR as effective as traditional, studies show - CNN.com |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/07/28/chest.compressions/index.html |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=www.cnn.com |language=en}}{{Cite journal |last1=Cabrini |first1=L |last2=Biondi-Zoccai |first2=G |date=2010 |title=Bystander-initiated chest compression-only CPR is better than standard CPR in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest |journal=HSR Proceedings in Intensive Care & Cardiovascular Anesthesia |volume=2 |issue=4 |pages=279–285 |pmid=23439400 |pmc=3484593 }} This method removes the practice of performing rescue breaths and depends solely on chest compressions.

On November 30, 2009, The American Heart Association announced a new cardiac arrest awareness campaign called Be the Beat.{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/associations-campaign-inspires-teens-to-use-cpr-aeds-to-save-lives-78125492.html|title=Association's Campaign Inspires Teens to Use CPR, AEDs to Save Lives|website=prnewswire.com}} The campaign's aim is to teach 12- to 15-year-olds fun ways to learn the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and how to use an automated external defibrillator.

File:Martha Roby with American Heart Association representatives.jpg]]

In 2012, the AHA renewed its focus on hands-only CPR by carrying out a national campaign to educate more people on how to perform this method. Jennifer Coolidge was a spokesperson for the campaign.

It also carried out a campaign in 2012 to educate more people on how to carry out hands-only CPR.{{cite news|url=http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/18721365/stiflers-mom-helping-promote-hands-only-cpr |title='Stifler's mom' helping promote hands only CPR |first=Deena |last=Centofanti |publisher=Fox 2 Detroit |date=June 6, 2012 |access-date=June 9, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020023727/http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/18721365/stiflers-mom-helping-promote-hands-only-cpr |archive-date=October 20, 2012 }}{{cite news|url=http://momster.familycircle.com/blog/the-new-rules-of-cpr |title=The New Rules of CPR |first=Maria |last=Masters |work=Family Circle |date=June 6, 2012 |access-date=June 9, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608053936/http://momster.familycircle.com/blog/the-new-rules-of-cpr |archive-date=June 8, 2012 }}{{cite news |url=http://www.eldiariony.com/Neoyorquinos_aprenden_a_salvar_vidas |title=Neoyorquinos aprenden a salvar vidas |author=Pedro F. Frisneda/EDLP |publisher=ImpreMedia |date=June 6, 2012 |access-date=June 9, 2012 |archive-date=October 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017213027/http://www.eldiariony.com/Neoyorquinos_aprenden_a_salvar_vidas |url-status=dead }} The 2012 campaign, which began in New York City, had Jennifer Coolidge as the spokesperson.{{cite web |url=http://www.pimsmultimedia.com/AHA_STAYIN/media.php |title=Media Center |publisher=American Heart Association |access-date=June 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218044224/http://www.pimsmultimedia.com/AHA_STAYIN/media.php |archive-date=February 18, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

In 2013, the American Heart Association issued a joint guideline recognizing obesity as a disease and recommending its treatment by weight loss.{{cite journal |last1=Jensen |first1=MD |last2=Ryan |first2=DH |last3=Apovian |first3=CM |last4=Ard |first4=JD |last5=Comuzzie |first5=AG |last6=Donato |first6=KA |last7=Hu |first7=FB |last8=Hubbard |first8=VS |last9=Jakicic |first9=JM |last10=Kushner |first10=RF |last11=Loria |first11=CM |last12=Millen |first12=BE |last13=Nonas |first13=CA |last14=Pi-Sunyer |first14=FX |last15=Stevens |first15=J |last16=Stevens |first16=VJ |last17=Wadden |first17=TA |last18=Wolfe |first18=BM |last19=Yanovski |first19=SZ |last20=Jordan |first20=HS |last21=Kendall |first21=KA |last22=Lux |first22=LJ |last23=Mentor-Marcel |first23=R |last24=Morgan |first24=LC |last25=Trisolini |first25=MG |last26=Wnek |first26=J |last27=Anderson |first27=JL |last28=Halperin |first28=JL |last29=Albert |first29=NM |last30=Bozkurt |first30=B |last31=Brindis |first31=RG |last32=Curtis |first32=LH |last33=DeMets |first33=D |last34=Hochman |first34=JS |last35=Kovacs |first35=RJ |last36=Ohman |first36=EM |last37=Pressler |first37=SJ |last38=Sellke |first38=FW |last39=Shen |first39=WK |last40=Smith SC |first40=Jr |last41=Tomaselli |first41=GF |last42=American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice |first42=Guidelines. |last43=Obesity |first43=Society. |title=2013 AHA/ACC/TOS guideline for the management of overweight and obesity in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and The Obesity Society. |journal=Circulation |date=24 June 2014 |volume=129 |issue=25 Suppl 2 |pages=S102-38 |doi=10.1161/01.cir.0000437739.71477.ee |pmid=24222017|pmc=5819889 |url=https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/05/01/doctors-urged-to-treat-obesity-as-a-disease-under-new-guidelines }}

In 2014, the American Heart Association issued its first guidelines for preventing strokes in women.{{Cite news |last= |date=6 February 2014 |title=First guidelines issued to prevent stroke in women |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/first-guidelines-issued-to-prevent-stroke-in-women/ |access-date=12 September 2024 |publisher=CBS News}} Just as heart attack systems differ between men and women, men and women also face different stroke risks. For women, the guidelines for preventing strokes focus on factors such as birth control, pregnancy, and depression.

In 2015, the American Heart Association officially endorsed the Tobacco 21 campaign, urging local, state and national governments to raise the tobacco and nicotine sales age from 18 to 21.{{cite web|title=States Should Heed Strong Support for Raising Tobacco Age of Sale, Says American Heart Association {{!}} American Heart Association|url=http://newsroom.heart.org/news/states-should-heed-strong-support-for-raising-tobacco-age-of-sale-says-american-heart-association|website=newsroom.heart.org}}

In 2016, the American Heart Association, Verily Life Sciences, and AstraZeneca invested $75 million in the One Brave Idea program. The money was awarded to institutions researching new biomarkers, such as genetic and molecular factors, that put individuals at risk for atherosclerosis.{{Cite web |date=2016-10-05 |title=MIT shares $75 million grant to fight heart disease |url=https://news.mit.edu/2016/mit-shares-75-million-grant-fight-heart-disease-1005 |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=MIT News {{!}} Massachusetts Institute of Technology |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Pattani |first=Aneri |date=2016-12-22 |title=Rise in heart disease deaths sends experts down new paths |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/22/as-heart-disease-deaths-rise-health-experts-focus-on-prevention.html |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=CNBC |language=en}} It was hoped that the research would help the AHA reach its goals of increasing cardiovascular health by 20% and reducing cardiovascular mortality by 20% by 2020.

In 2017, the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and nine other groups redefined high blood pressure for the first time in fourteen years.{{Cite news |last1=Bernstein |first1=Lenny |last2=Eunjung Cha |first2=Arianna |date=13 November 2017 |title=Blood pressure of 130 is the new 'high,' according to first update of guidelines in 14 years |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2017/11/13/blood-pressure-of-130-is-the-new-high-according-to-first-update-of-guidelines-in-14-years/ |url-access=subscription |newspaper=Washington Post |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111001029/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2017/11/13/blood-pressure-of-130-is-the-new-high-according-to-first-update-of-guidelines-in-14-years/ |archive-date= Jan 11, 2023 }} Under the new guidelines, the high blood pressure reading is 130 over 80, a change from the old 140 over 80. The change was made in recognition of the risk of heart disease, disability, and death faced by those with blood pressures at 130 over 80. The organization said that they hoped by identifying cardiovascular risks earlier, more people would be able to address the health risks by lifestyle changes instead of medication.

In 2018, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology issued new guidelines for clinicians on the management of cholesterol as a way to reduce risk for heart attack and stroke. Newly included in the guidelines is a recommendation to use coronary artery calcium score if healthcare providers are having difficulty deciding if a patient could benefit from statin medications or should focus solely on lifestyle modifications. The cholesterol guidelines were last updated in 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2018-cholesterol-guidelines-for-heart-health-announced|title=2018 Cholesterol Guidelines for Heart Health Announced|date=10 November 2018|website=Johns Hopkins Medicine Newsroom}}

In 2020 and 2021, the annual flagship meeting of the organization was held virtually owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed as an in-person conference in 2022.{{Cite journal |last=Abbasi |first=Jennifer |date=23 November 2022 |title=Highlights From the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2022 |url=https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2799143 |url-status=live |journal=JAMA |volume=328 |issue=22 |pages=2195–2197 |doi=10.1001/jama.2022.17757 |pmid=36416851 |s2cid=253799648 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124031933/https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2799143?guestAccessKey=d7ec18e4-12a7-4ffe-8f0e-da4414b11c5d |archive-date=24 November 2022|doi-access= }}

In June 2024, the American Heart Association celebrated its 100 year anniversary of its founding.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-12 |title=American Heart Association celebrates 100 years; community learns hands-on CPR training at La Palmera Mall |url=https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/american-heart-association-celebrates-100-years-community-learns-hands-on-cpr-training-at-la-palmera-mall |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=KRIS 6 News Corpus Christi |language=en}} With the official celebration of its founding, the association was recognized as the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke.{{Cite web |last=Admin |first=Courier |date=2024-06-15 |title=American Heart Association Celebrates 100 years of Saving Lives |url=https://milwaukeecourieronline.com/index.php/2024/06/15/american-heart-association-celebrates-100-years-of-saving-lives/ |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper |language=en-US}} The association held CPR training, where in many places the first hundred or so people to participate in the 5-minute training were given take-home CPR kits.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-12 |title=American Heart Association celebrates 100 years; community learns hands-on CPR training at La Palmera Mall |url=https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/american-heart-association-celebrates-100-years-community-learns-hands-on-cpr-training-at-la-palmera-mall |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=KRIS 6 News Corpus Christi |language=en}}

Some of the American Heart Association's research, campaigns, and other work is included here.

Since 1949, the association has funded over $5 billion in cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and brain health research.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-21 |title=American Heart Association invests in the future of heart and brain health research |url=https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230721/American-Heart-Association-invests-in-the-future-of-heart-and-brain-health-research.aspx |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=News-Medical.net |language=en}}

In 2014, the American Heart Association announced the Strategically Focused Research Network initiative to address "key strategic issues as determined by the AHA Board of Directors." Some of the topics focused on by SFRNs include hypertension, heart failure, heart disease, and health technologies and innovation.{{Cite journal |last1=Muntner |first1=Paul |last2=Becker |first2=Richard C |last3=Calhoun |first3=David |last4=Chen |first4=Daian |last5=Cowley |first5=Allen W. |last6=Flynn |first6=Joseph T |last7=Grobe |first7=Justin L. |last8=Kidambi |first8=Srividya |last9=Kotchen |first9=Theodore A. |last10=Lackland |first10=Daniel T. |last11=Leslie |first11=Kimberly K. |last12=Li |first12=Yingchuan |last13=Liang |first13=Mingyu |last14=Lloyd |first14=Augusta |last15=Mattson |first15=David L. |date=2016 |title=Introduction to the American Heart Association's Hypertension Strategically Focused Research Network |journal=Hypertension |volume=67 |issue=4 |pages=674–680 |doi=10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.115.06433 |issn=0194-911X |pmc=5135412 |pmid=26902490}}{{Cite journal |last1=Zwack |first1=Clara C. |last2=Haghani |first2=Milad |last3=Hollings |first3=Matthew |last4=Zhang |first4=Ling |last5=Gauci |first5=Sarah |last6=Gallagher |first6=Robyn |last7=Redfern |first7=Julie |date=2023-01-03 |title=The evolution of digital health technologies in cardiovascular disease research |journal=npj Digital Medicine |language=en |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=1–11 |doi=10.1038/s41746-022-00734-2 |pmid=36596833 |issn=2398-6352|pmc=9808768 }}

The Go Red for Women campaign started in 2004 to raise awareness that women, and not only men, are vulnerable to heart disease.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-03 |title=Go Red for Women: Nearly 20 Years of Much Progress, Some Setbacks |url=https://www.tctmd.com/news/go-red-women-nearly-20-years-much-progress-some-setbacks |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=TCTMD.com |language=en}} Between 2016 and 2021, the American Heart Association invested $20 million in the Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network. The SFRN also received $52 million from the National Institutes of Health.

In 2017, the Go Red National Leadership Council was started to engage female executives in the campaign. Additional projects associated with the campaign include Research Goes Red and National Wear Red Day.

As of 2023, over 900,000 women have joined the campaign and receive updates on what they can do to improve their heart health. The campaign's social media channels had audiences of over 5.3 million in 2022.

Also in 2023, Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation, a 501(c)(3), announced a 3-year commitment supporting American Heart Association’s women’s initiative, Go Red for Women®. This initiative raises funds and awareness of women’s heart health and bringing fitness initiatives back to the national Miss America competition stage after the swimsuit portion was scrapped in 2018.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-28 |title= Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation joins Go Red for Women to champion women’s health and well-being at every age |url=https://newsroom.heart.org/news/miss-americas-scholarship-foundation-joins-go-red-for-women-to-champion-womens-health-and-well-being-at-every-age |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=missamerica.org |language=en}}

The "Be the Beat" challenge encourages people to learn CPR.

The CEO Roundtable was formed in 2013 and focuses on implementing evidence-based approaches to workplace health. In 2020, the CEOs of CVS Health, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and US Foods joined the association.{{Cite web |date=2020-02-18 |title=Kroger's McMullen Appointed to AHA CEO Roundtable |url=https://progressivegrocer.com/krogers-mcmullen-appointed-aha-ceo-roundtable |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=Progressive Grocer |language=en}} In 2023, there were almost 50 Fortune 100 CEOs in the association.{{Cite web |title=NFL Expands Smart Heart Sports Coalition to Include 26 Members, Continuing to Drive CPR and AED Advocacy |url=https://www.nfl.com/playerhealthandsafety/resources/press-releases/nfl-expands-smart-heart-sports-coalition-to-include-26-members-continuing-to-dri |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}

In 1998, the association created the American Stroke Association to help prevent strokes, improve treatments, and maximize recoveries. In 2003, the two organizations created the Get With the Guidelines (GWTG)-Stroke program.{{Cite journal |last=Ormseth |first=Cora |date=29 May 2017 |title=The American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines (GWTG)-Stroke development and impact on stroke care |journal=Stroke and Vascular Neurology |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=94–105 |doi=10.1136/svn-2017-000092 |pmid=28959497 |pmc=5600018 }} It is a voluntary registry that hospitals can use to receive the latest scientific treatment guidelines.{{Cite web |last=Semancik |first=Alex |date=2023-10-02 |title=Memorial Health System recognized by American Heart Association |url=https://www.wtap.com/2023/10/02/memorial-health-system-recognized-by-american-heart-association/ |access-date=2023-12-15 |website= |language=en}} The program also collects data on patient characteristics, hospital adherence to guidelines, and patient outcomes.

The American Heart Association announced in October of 2024 a grant aimed at improving heart health in rural communities by funding initiatives that address healthcare access and education. This support is expected to enhance resources for prevention and treatment of heart disease in underserved areas.{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Grant |date=2024-10-10 |title=How the American Heart Association stroke care grant can help rural communities |url=https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2024/10/10/american-heart-association-talks-about-how-wednesdays-grant-can-help-rural-communities/ |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=Dakota News Now |language=en}}

This 2023 Spanish-language campaign works to raise awareness among Hispanic Americans about stroke symptoms. The acronym stands for:{{Cite web |last=Murez |first=Cara |date=2023-09-15 |title=R.A.P.I.D.O. : Acronym & Campaign Helps Spanish Speakers Recognize a Stroke |url=https://magicvalley.com/life-entertainment/nation-world/wellness/r-a-p-i-d-o-acronym-campaign-helps-spanish-speakers-recognize-a-stroke/article_42b8c256-7f96-5451-8bae-0af17d884ce4.html |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=The Times-News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=jamiebell |date=2023-09-21 |title=ASA seeks to 'empower' Hispanic-Latino communities with promotion of RÁPIDO acronym |url=https://neuronewsinternational.com/asa-seeks-to-empower-hispanic-latino-communities-with-promotion-of-rapido-acronym/ |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=NeuroNews International |language=en-GB}}

• Rostro caído (face drooping)
• Alteración del equilibrio (loss of balance or lack of coordination)
• Pérdida de fuerza en el brazo (arm weakness)
• Impedimento visual repentino (sudden vision difficulty)
• Dificultad para hablar (slurred or strange speech)
• Obtén ayuda, llama al 911 (get help, call 911)

The American Stroke Association has launched a new [https://www.stroke.org/es/ Spanish-language website], to educate Hispanic and Latino communities about stroke recognition, prevention, and recovery.{{Cite web |last=Julie Washington |first=cleveland com |date=2024-09-30 |title=American Stroke Association creates Spanish-language stroke website to educate, eliminate barriers |url=https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2024/09/american-stroke-association-creates-spanish-language-stroke-website-to-educate-eliminate-barriers.html |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=cleveland |language=en}}

This is a joint campaign from the American heart Association and the American Diabetes Association. It works to raise awareness about the connection between diabetes and heart disease.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-30 |title=Angela Bassett Reveals Her Mother Died From Heart Disease and Diabetes |url=https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a27663670/angela-bassett-heart-disease-diabetes/ |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=Prevention |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=John Mayer |first=Melissa |date=1 December 2020 |title=Most With Diabetes May Be at Very High Risk of Fatal Heart Disease in 10 Years |url=https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/people-with-type-2-diabetes-at-high-risk-of-fatal-stroke-heart-attack-in-years-study-finds/}} The AHA reports that adults with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to die from heart disease than adults without diabetes.

The "Check. Change. Control." program is an evidence-based hypertension management program that encourages blood pressure self-monitoring. In 2019 it was used by more than 315,000 people.{{Cite web |last= |first= |title='Check It! Challenge' could lead to lower risk of heart disease and stroke |url=https://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2022/12/26/153533/check-it-challenge-could-lead-to-lower-risk-of-heart-disease-and-stroke |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=Niagara Frontier Publications}}

This program was started in 2023 to “educate and prepare teens and adults to be confident to save life in a cardiac emergency.” More than 350,000 people have out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year, and this program wants to help improve their survival rate.{{Cite web |last=Report |first=GCM Staff |date=2023-09-27 |title=Damar Hamlin partners with American Heart Association for PSA on heart health, safety |url=https://gulfcoastmedia.com/stories/damar-hamlin-partners-with-american-heart-association-for-psa-on-heart-health-safety,186849 |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Gulf Coast Media |language=en}}

As part of National Wear Red Day, Buffalo Bills NFL player Damar Hamlin joined the American Heart Association at the Empire State Building to raise awareness about heart health.{{Cite web |last=Carlin |first=Dave |date=2024-02-02 |title=Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin raises awareness for American Heart Month - CBS New York |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/damar-hamlin-cardiac-arrest-american-heart-month-awareness-empire-state-building/ |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} Hamlin, who survived a cardiac arrest on the field during a January 2023 game versus the Cincinnati Bengals, shared his experience of how a direct hit caused his heart to stop and emphasized the importance of heart health and emergency response. Cardiologist Dr. Joseph Puma highlighted that timely medical attention, including heart scans, can prevent life-threatening events, urging individuals to seek care if experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or other warning signs of heart issues.{{Cite web |last=WKRC |first=Liz Bonis |date=2024-09-23 |title=Damar Hamlin heart event inspires free CPR training at Paycor Stadium with Bengals players |url=https://local12.com/news/local/damar-hamlin-heart-event-inspires-free-cpr-training-at-paycor-stadium-with-bengals-players |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=WKRC |language=en}}

Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) are cardiovascular health measurements shared by the AHA. Previously the measurements were known as the LE7, but in 2022 the AHA added sleep health as an additional behavioral metric. The other metrics look at body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, smoking, physical activity, and diet.{{Cite web |last=Paharia |first=Pooja Toshniwal |date=2023-08-18 |title=Predicting risk of cardiovascular events with Life's Essential 8 scores |url=https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230818/Predicting-risk-of-cardiovascular-events-with-Lifes-Essential-8-scores.aspx |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=News-Medical |language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-05-02 |title=Healthier Diet and Exercise Linked to Heart Health, While Skipping Meals and Diet Pills Fail for Weight Loss |url=https://neurosciencenews.com/weight-loss-heart-healt-23166/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=Neuroscience News |language=en-US}}

The American Heart Association’s 2024 Impact Goal states, "Every person deserves the opportunity for a full, healthy life. By 2024, as champions for health equity, the American Heart Association will advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality."{{Cite news |last=Maness |first=Tracy |title=Giving Tuesday match doubles donations to American Heart Association |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/neighborhood/fort-bend/article/Giving-Tuesday-donations-to-American-Heart-16655816.php |access-date=2024-02-27 |work=Houston Chronicle |language=en}}

The AHA partnered with the Deloitte Health Equity Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management Foundation on the Health Equity in the Workforce initiative. The initiative provides tools to help employers improve health equity in the workplace.{{Cite web |last=Burky |first=Annie |date=27 February 2023 |title=As SNAP benefits wane, food-as-medicine companies carve out a niche in healthcare |url=https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/digital-health/snap-benefits-wane-food-medicine-platforms-carve-out-niche-healthcare |website=Fierce Healthcare |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105003620/https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/digital-health/snap-benefits-wane-food-medicine-platforms-carve-out-niche-healthcare |archive-date= Jan 5, 2024 }}

The AHA's Social Impact Fund is a nationwide fund that provides financial resources for "evidence-based, community driven entrepreneurial solutions that help remove the social and economic barriers to health equity and drive economic empowerment, healthy food access, affordable housing, access to quality healthcare, transportation, educational opportunities, and reduce recidivism."{{Cite web |date=2021-05-07 |title=Three Twin Cities social entrepreneurs receive funding to break down racial and health disparity barriers |url=https://www.postbulletin.com/rochester-in-color/three-twin-cities-social-entrepreneurs-receive-funding-to-break-down-racial-and-health-disparity-barriers |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=Rochester Post Bulletin |language=en}}

Organizations that have received funding include:

• Sakan Community Resource
• Hmong American Farmers Association
• Better Futures Minnesota
• Sidekick Mobile Technologies{{Cite web |last=Gatling |first=Paul |date=2023-01-18 |title=American Heart Association backs $2M seed round for Bentonville startup Sober Sidekick |url=https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/american-heart-association-backs-2m-seed-round-for-bentonville-startup-sober-sidekick/ |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=Talk Business & Politics |language=en-US}}
• Sweet Potato Patch{{Cite web |date=2020-04-24 |title=South Side food delivery startup, American Heart Association tackle COVID-19 race disparity |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2020/4/23/21232076/sweet-potato-patch-american-heart-association-tackle-covid-19-racial-disparity-healthy-meal |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}}

The HSI scholarship program is for students who identify as Hispanic/Latino who are enrolled in public health and healthcare focused programs at 18 Hispanic-serving colleges and universities.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-14 |title='Everything is possible': Sisters who fled turmoil in Venezuela to attend Columbia University |url=https://pix11.com/news/local-news/new-jersey/everything-is-possible-sisters-who-fled-political-turmoil-in-venezuela-to-attend-columbia-university-medical-school/ |first1=Jim |last1=Vasil |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=PIX11 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=American Heart Association Announces 2022-2023 HSI Scholars |url=https://news.uhd.edu/american-heart-association-announces-2022-23-hsi-scholars/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website= Newsroom University of Houston-Downtown |first1=Sheryl E. |last1=Taylor |date=October 20, 2022 |language=en-us}} The program's goal is to increase representation in health care.{{Cite web |title=American Heart Association HSI Scholars Share Research Findings |url=https://www.montclair.edu/newscenter/american-heart-association-hsi-scholars-share-research-findings/ |access-date=2024-02-29 |language=en-US}} Students in the program are paired with volunteer mentors. They develop and present a research project that addresses basic, clinical, and educational science, receive a stipend, and participate in professional development workshops.

The HBCU Scholars program pairs students with a local American Heart Association researcher and was created to "support the development of minority scientists and healthcare professionals," and increase the number of minority students who apply and are accepted into biomedical and health science programs.{{Cite web |last=Coulter |first=Elyse |date=2021-08-13 |title=American Heart Association announces HBCU Scholar Program for Dayton area |url=https://dayton247now.com/news/local/american-heart-association-announces-hbcu-scholar-program-for-dayton-area |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=WKEF |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119003656/https://dayton247now.com/news/local/american-heart-association-announces-hbcu-scholar-program-for-dayton-area |archive-date= 2024-01-19 }} Students and researchers study the impact of cardiovascular disease in their community, learn the factors affecting vulnerable populations, and sample areas of scientific inquiry.{{Cite web |title=American Heart Association Launches HBCU Scholars Program Focused on Increasing Diversity in Cardiovascular Research |url=https://healthcarejournalno.com/news/american-heart-association-launches-hbcu-scholars-program-focused-on-increasing-diversity-in |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=Healthcare Journal of New Orleans |date=December 24, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119004258/https://healthcarejournalno.com/news/american-heart-association-launches-hbcu-scholars-program-focused-on-increasing-diversity-in |archive-date=2024-01-19 }} Students also receive financial stipends.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-25 |title=American Heart Association and CareSource honor 5 HBCU students to combat racial inequality |url=https://www.whio.com/news/local/american-heart-association-caresource-honor-5-hbcu-students-combat-racial-inequality/Q6COMMF4XBCTRA6BANOCSGDC6M/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio |language=en}}

HeartCorps is the American Heart Association's Public Health AmeriCorps program and is designed to drive health equity in rural America. As of November 2022, twenty-six states participated in the program.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-03 |title=AHA launches HeartCorps program to improve rural health |url=https://lacrossetribune.com/community/westbytimes/aha-launches-heartcorps-program-to-improve-rural-health/article_66e9ea52-5bb4-11ed-a73d-3bc15d76e203.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=La Crosse Tribune |language=en }}

The American Heart Association supports legislation that creates smoke-free workplaces and public spaces.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-09 |title=Legislation hearing could ban smoking inside New Jersey casinos - CBS Philadelphia |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/lawmakers-smoking-ban-atlantic-city-casinos-new-jersey/ |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=CBS News Philadelphia |language=en-US}} Starting in 2014, the AHA called for regulations for e-cigarettes to prevent young people from becoming addicted to nicotine, referencing studies that suggest the e-cigarettes can be a gateway drug.{{Cite web |last=Szabo |first=Liz |title=Heart group calls on FDA to quickly regulate e-cigs |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/25/electronic-cigarette-statement/14450967/ |date=Aug 25, 2014 |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}

The American Heart Association supports the No Surprises Act, stating it will keep costs and premiums down and encourage more people to seek care from healthcare professionals.{{Cite web |date=2021-12-19 |title='A lot of money on the table': Fight brews over surprise medical bills |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/12/19/surprise-medical-bills-insurance-525304 |first1=Megan |last1=Wilson |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}

In 2022, the American Heart Association, the Rockefeller Foundation, Kroger, and other partners announced a plan to build a national Food is Medicine Research Initiative to help provide concrete evidence that food-as-medicine programs improve health.

In September 2023, the AHA partnered with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, and the Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University to launch Nourish My Health. It is a national public education campaign that promotes the protective health benefits of nutritious food.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-28 |title=NACDS, health orgs kick off Nourish My Health campaign |url=https://drugstorenews.com/nacds-health-orgs-kick-nourish-my-health-campaign |first1=Sandra |last1=Levy |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=Drug Store News |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125213430/https://drugstorenews.com/nacds-health-orgs-kick-nourish-my-health-campaign |archive-date= 2024-01-25 }}

You're the Cure is the national grassroots network of the American Heart Association.{{Cite web |last=Leader |first=Stuttgart Daily |date=2023-05-25 |title=Local volunteer advocate Cori Keller in the nation's capital today to meet with Arkansas Congressmen on food and nutrition programs |url=https://www.stuttgartdailyleader.com/local-volunteer-advocate-cori-keller-in-the-nations-capital-today-to-meet-with-arkansas-congressmen-on-food-and-nutrition-programs/ |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Stuttgart Daily Leader |language=en-US}}

The American Heart Association publishes healthcare guidelines, statements, and performance measures.A small sample of these professional education and development resources include:

• Information to prevent strokes, improve treatments, and maximize recoveries{{Cite journal |last1=Ormseth |first1=Cora H |last2=Sheth |first2=Kevin N |last3=Saver |first3=Jeffrey L |last4=Fonarow |first4=Gregg C |last5=Schwamm |first5=Lee H |date=2017-05-29 |title=The American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines (GWTG)-Stroke development and impact on stroke care |journal=Stroke and Vascular Neurology |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=94–105 |doi=10.1136/svn-2017-000092 |issn=2059-8696 |pmc=5600018 |pmid=28959497 |doi-access=free }}
• Lifestyle recommendations to improve cardiovascular health
• Guidelines to prevent strokes in women
• High blood pressure definitions
• Management guidelines to reduce cardiovascular risk factors in adults with Type 2 diabetes{{Cite journal |last=Joseph |first=Joshua J. |date=2022 |title=Comprehensive Management of Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association |display-authors=et al. |journal=Circulation |volume=145 |issue=9 |pages=e722–e759 |doi=10.1161/CIR.0000000000001040 |issn=1524-4539 |pmid=35000404|doi-access=free }}
• Scientific statements on specific diseases{{Cite web |title=AHA Scientific Statement on Kawasaki Disease |url=https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2017/04/21/11/45/diagnosis-treatment-and-long-term-management-of-kawasaki-disease |access-date=2024-02-01 |website=American College of Cardiology |date=Apr 21, 2017 |first=Timothy B. |last=Cotts }}
• Care guidelines for cardiovascular attacks{{Cite web |date=2023-08-17 |title=AHA: Wider Temperature Management Range Okay in Cardiac Arrest Care |url=https://www.tctmd.com/news/aha-wider-temperature-management-range-okay-cardiac-arrest-care |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=TCTMD.com |language=en}}
• Scientific statements looking at specific healthcare practices, such as shared decision-making{{Cite web |date=2023-08-16 |title=American Heart Association Issues Scientific Statement on Shared Decision-Making and Cardiovascular Health |url=http://www.dicardiology.com/content/american-heart-association-issues-scientific-statement-shared-decision-making-and |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=DAIC |language=en}}

The AHA also holds an annual Scientific Sessions meeting, which covers several days and a number of medical/healthcare topics; and hosts an International Stroke Conference.{{Cite web |title=AHA announces late-breaker lineup to be presented at 2023 Scientific Sessions |url=https://www.healio.com/news/cardiology/20230927/aha-announces-latebreaker-lineup-to-be-presented-at-2023-scientific-sessions |date=September 27, 2023 |work=Cardiology Today |access-date=2024-02-01 |publisher=Healio |language=en|url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240201204908/https://www.healio.com/news/cardiology/20230927/aha-announces-latebreaker-lineup-to-be-presented-at-2023-scientific-sessions |archive-date= 2024-02-01 }}{{Cite web |last=Branca |first=Malorye |date=2023-02-02 |title=Smartphone App Helps Detect Stroke Early |url=https://www.insideprecisionmedicine.com/news-and-features/smartphone-app-helps-detect-stroke-early/ |access-date=2024-02-01 |website=Inside Precision Medicine |language=en-US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201210412/https://www.insideprecisionmedicine.com/news-and-features/smartphone-app-helps-detect-stroke-early/ |archive-date=2024-02-01 }}{{Cite web |last=Association |first=American Heart |title=Scientific statement provides guidance on staffing, resource requirements for stroke centers |url=https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-scientific-statement-guidance-staffing-resource.html |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=medicalxpress.com |language=en}}

The Second Century of Science Initiative was announced in 2023 as part of the AHA’s plans to celebrate its first 100 years. Under the Initiative, the AHA awarded $20 million in grants to over 100 scientists in the U.S. The grants were awarded in three categories: the Second Century Implementation Science Award, the Second Century Early Faculty Independence Award, and the Clinical Fellow Research Education Program

In 2003, the AHA and the American Stroke Association created the Get With the Guidelines (GWTG)-Stroke program. It is a voluntary registry that hospitals can use to receive the latest scientific treatment guidelines.{{Cite web |last=Semancik |first=Alex |date=2023-10-02 |title=Memorial Health System recognized by American Heart Association |url=https://www.wtap.com/2023/10/02/memorial-health-system-recognized-by-american-heart-association/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |website= |language=en}} The program also collects data on patient characteristics, hospital adherence to guidelines, and patient outcomes.{{Cite journal |last=Ormseth |first=Cora |date=2 June 2017 |title=The American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines (GWTG)-Stroke development and impact on stroke care |journal=Stroke and Vascular Neurology |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=94–105 |doi=10.1136/svn-2017-000092 |pmid=28959497 |pmc=5600018 }}

File:FAHA, Fellowship of the American Heart Association, Stroke Council.jpg

Fellowship is open to wide-ranged medical professionals (physicians, scientists, etc.) who demonstrate a major and productive interest in cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The association has 16 different councils. Members (at the Premium Professional or Premium Professional Plus level) of one of these councils can apply for Fellowship. All applicants from all councils will be evaluated against the same criteria. Fellows are entitled to use the post-nominal designation FAmerican Heart Association (Fellow of the American Heart Association), which reflects not only the professional stature of the Fellow but also their record of valuable service to the association and the council. In addition, American Heart Association fellowship offers several benefits; e.g., reduced subscription rates for all American Heart Association print journals and reduced registration fees for American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.{{cite web |title=Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA) |url=https://professional.heart.org/en/partners/fellow-of-aha |website=The American Heart Association |access-date=6 October 2022}}

Nancy Brown has been the CEO of the American Heart Association since 2009.{{Cite web |last1=Innovates |first1=Dallas |last2=Cummings |first2=Kevin |date=2022-08-03 |title=Dallas' American Heart Association-Backed Fund Raises Nearly $42M to Invest in Health Tech |url=https://dallasinnovates.com/dallas-american-heart-association-backed-fund-raises-nearly-42m-to-invest-in-health-tech/ |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=Dallas Innovates |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Gaudin |first=Sharon |date=2016-12-01 |title=American Heart Association looks for cure in the cloud |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3146566/american-heart-association-looks-for-cure-in-the-cloud.html |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=Computerworld |language=en}} Keith B. Churchwell became the volunteer president in 2024.{{cite journal |author1-first=Walter K. |author1-last=Clair |author2-first=Francine |author2-last=LoRusso |date=2024 |title=Introducing AHA's new president: Keith B. Churchwell, MD |language=en |journal=Journal of the American Heart Association |volume=13 |issue=15 |doi=10.1161/JAHA.124.036260 |doi-access=free|pmc=11964062 }}

The following journals are published by the American Heart Association:

• Hypertension
• Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
• Stroke
• Circulation
• Circulation Research
• Circulation Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology{{Cite web|url=https://www.ahajournals.org/journal/circep|title=Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology |website=AHA/ASA Journals |access-date=2019-01-08}}
• Journal of the American Heart Association
• Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine
• Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging
• Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions
• Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes
• Circulation: Heart Failure
• Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology
• Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases

• Basic life support
• Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
• Pediatric advanced life support (PALS), co-branded with the American Academy of Pediatrics

• American College of Cardiology
• American Heart Association Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards
• American Heart Month
• Automated external defibrillator (AED)
• [https://www.stroke.org/en/ American Stroke Association]

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|American Heart Association}}

• {{Official website}}
• {{ProPublicaNonprofitExplorer}}
• "[https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/about-us/history/history-of-the-american-heart-association.pdf Historical Timeline of the American Heart Association]" on the American Heart Association website
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20200301085301/https://www.goredforwomen.org/ Go Red for Women]

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Category:Heart disease organizations

Category:Health charities in the United States

Category:Organizations established in 1924

Category:1924 establishments in the United States

Category:Organizations based in Dallas

Category:Charities based in Texas

Category:Stroke organizations

Category:Medical and health organizations based in Texas

Category:Southwestern Medical District