American Heart Association

American Heart Association

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a non-profit organization in the United States that fosters appropriate cardiac care in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke. It was originally formed in 1924 by six cardiologists, and it is currently headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency.

History

The American Heart Association was founded by a group of six cardiologists in 1924. Its initial mission was to combat heart disease, which at the time was considered a fatal condition. Over the years, the AHA has expanded its mission to include research, education, and advocacy related to cardiovascular health.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the American Heart Association is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. This is achieved through a strategic combination of research, community programs, and advocacy efforts. The AHA's goals include reducing cardiovascular disease and stroke, improving the quality of care for all individuals, and reducing the barriers to health care access.

Programs and Initiatives

The American Heart Association runs a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at improving cardiovascular health. These include Go Red for Women, a campaign to raise awareness about heart disease in women, and Jump Rope for Heart, a program that encourages physical activity in children.

Research

The AHA is one of the largest funders of cardiovascular research in the United States. Since its inception, it has invested more than $4 billion in research, funding studies on topics such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Advocacy

The American Heart Association advocates for policies that promote heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This includes advocating for policies related to healthy eating, physical activity, tobacco control, and access to quality health care.

See Also

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Cardiovascular disease
• Go Red for Women
• Jump Rope for Heart