American Heart Association (AHA)

How we are changing the future of health together Since the American Heart Association’s founding in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular diseases have been cut in half. And yet, there are still so many lives to be saved. By driving breakthroughs in s y lives to be saved. By driving breakthroughs in science, policy and care, together we can continue to advance health and transform lives every day. The six cardiologists who founded the American Heart Association in 1924 would be amazed. To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Over our 100-year history, the American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and stroke and helping families and communities thrive. Explore the map below to see how your support has made a difference in our nation and in the places you and your loved ones call home. The American Heart Association (AHA) is a nonprofit organization in the United States that funds cardiovascular medical research, educates consumers on healthy living and fosters appropriate cardiac care in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke. They are known for publishing guidelines on cardiovascular disease and prevention, standards on basic life support, advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), pediatric advanced life support (PALS), and in 2014 issued the first guidelines for preventing strokes in women.[1] The American Heart Association is also known for operating a number of highly visible public service campaigns starting in the 1970s, and also operates several fundraising events. Originally formed in Chicago in 1924,[2][3] the American Heart Association is currently headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It was originally headquartered in New York City.[2][3] The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency.[4] The mission of the organization, updated in 2018, is "To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives."[5] The organization's work can be divided into five key areas: research; heart and brain health; health equity; advocacy; and professional education and development. From humble beginnings, the AHA has grown into the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. A shared focus on cardiovascular health unites our more than 35 million volunteers and supporters as well as our more than 2,900 employees. Learn more about our lifesaving history. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. Even when those conditions don’t result in death, they cause disability and diminish quality of life. We want to see a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Our size and scope let us have real impact. The AHA has invested more than $5 billion in research, making us the largest not-for-profit funding source for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease research next to the federal government. Learn more about our life-changing funded research breakthroughs. ...view more