American Heart Association

American Heart Association
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Name	American Heart Association
Founded	10 June 1924
Founders	Paul Dudley White, Hugh McCulloch, Lewis A. Conner, Robert H. Halsey
Headquarters	Dallas, Texas, United States
Key people	Joseph C. Wu (President, 2023-2024)
Focus	Cardiovascular disease, Stroke, Health education
Revenue	$1.01 billion (2022)
Website	https://www.heart.org

American Heart Association. The American Heart Association is a non-profit organization in the United States dedicated to fighting cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Founded by a group of prominent cardiologists, it funds scientific research, publishes leading medical guidelines, and runs extensive public education campaigns. With a national headquarters in Dallas and a network of local divisions, it is one of the world's largest and most influential voluntary health organizations.

History

The organization was established on June 10, 1924, in New York City by six cardiologists including Paul Dudley White, one of the founders of modern cardiology, and Lewis A. Conner. Its initial focus was to share emerging knowledge about heart disease, which was becoming a leading cause of death. A pivotal early effort was its support for the development of the heart-lung machine in the 1950s, enabling open-heart surgery. The association expanded its mission to include stroke in 1975, reflecting the shared pathophysiology with heart disease. Landmark moments include launching the Framingham Heart Study, a seminal epidemiological project, and advocating for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Organization and structure

The national headquarters are located in Dallas, Texas, with additional scientific and operational centers. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors, led by a president who is typically a prominent scientist, such as recent president Joseph C. Wu from Stanford University. The structure includes over 150 local offices across the United States, organized into regional divisions. It operates in close collaboration with major institutions like the American College of Cardiology and the World Heart Federation. Key operational arms include the American Stroke Association, a division launched in 1998, and the Council on Clinical Cardiology.

Research and scientific publications

It is the largest non-governmental funder of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular research in the United States, investing over $5 billion since 1949. This funding has supported groundbreaking work, including research by Nobel laureates such as Michael S. Brown and Joseph L. Goldstein on cholesterol metabolism. The association publishes several leading peer-reviewed journals, most notably Circulation, Stroke, and Hypertension. It is also renowned for authoring definitive clinical practice guidelines, such as those for CPR and ECC, which set the global standard for emergency care.

Public health initiatives and guidelines

A core function is developing evidence-based public health guidelines and education programs. Its Life's Essential 8 framework outlines key measures for optimal cardiovascular health, updating the earlier Life's Simple 7. Major campaigns target specific health issues, such as the Go Red for Women movement, which focuses on women's heart disease, and the Power To End Stroke initiative targeting African Americans. The association also sets influential treatment guidelines for conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart failure, which are widely adopted by practitioners and institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic.

Fundraising and awareness campaigns

Fundraising is achieved through a mix of major events, corporate partnerships, and individual donations. The signature event is the Heart Walk, a nationwide series of community walks. Other major campaigns include the Go Red for Women movement, symbolized by the Red Dress, and the American Heart Month observance each February. Corporate alliances with companies like Subway, Nationwide, and the National Football League's Play 60 campaign provide significant support. These efforts are publicized through major media partnerships and during events like the Super Bowl.

Impact and recognition

The association's work has profoundly impacted public health, contributing to a more than 50% decline in death rates from cardiovascular disease since the mid-20th century. Its advocacy was instrumental in the passage of the Heart Disease, Cancer, and Stroke Amendments of 1965. It bestows prestigious awards like the Gold Heart Award and the Research Achievement Award. The association's guidelines directly influence clinical practice worldwide and are endorsed by major bodies like the World Health Organization. Its public campaigns, such as the widespread teaching of Hands-Only CPR, have equipped millions of bystanders to respond to cardiac emergencies.

Category:Medical and health organizations based in the United States Category:Cardiology organizations Category:Non-profit organizations based in Texas