The American Heart Association was founded in 1915 in New York City at a time when heart disease was poorly understood and often considered untreatable. Originally called the Association for the Prevention and Relief of Heart Disease, it was established by physicians and social workers committed to expanding knowledge, improving care, and advancing research in cardiovascular health.

In its earliest years, the organization focused on studying heart disease and disseminating medical knowledge to clinicians to challenge prevailing notions that cardiac patients were beyond help.

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From Local Effort to National Influence

As interest in heart disease research spread, similar cardiac health organizations formed in other cities. It became clear that a national organization was necessary to unify efforts, share insights, and coordinate research across regions. This realization led to the development of a national association that could accelerate progress in cardiovascular science.

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Extending Reach Beyond Medicine

By the late 1930s, the AHA began extending its activities into public health. Early community programs, such as a widespread campaign against rheumatic fever supported by donations from civic organizations like the American Legion, helped the Association engage with the public and broaden its mission.

Public support and philanthropic involvement grew, enabling AHA to expand both its educational outreach and research funding.

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Organizational Growth and Innovation

A major turning point came in 1948, when the AHA reorganized and brought in non-medical volunteers with expertise in business, communications, education, and fundraising. This strategic shift enabled rapid growth, enhanced influence, and a broader public presence.

The Association’s role expanded dramatically from that point forward, supporting major research initiatives that shaped cardiovascular care and prevention for decades.

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From Research to Practice

Between the 1950s and 1980s, the AHA emerged as a major force in cardiovascular science and education. It began translating research into clinical guidelines and spreading evidence-based recommendations not only to clinicians but also to the public.

In the mid-1990s, the pace of scientific discovery accelerated, and the AHA increasingly focused on rapidly moving research findings from laboratories and clinical trials into practice. Establishing clinical guidelines and public education campaigns became central to its mission.

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Today’s Role in Public Health

Today, the American Heart Association is globally recognized as a leading authority on heart health, stroke prevention, and emergency cardiovascular care. It:

• Funds and supports cutting-edge cardiovascular research
• Develops evidence-based clinical guidelines for clinicians and emergency responders
• Educates healthcare professionals and the public
• Advocates for public health policy
• Provides rescue education (like CPR and ECC) to millions

Through digital media, publications, community programs, and collaborations with healthcare organizations, the AHA remains at the forefront of improving heart and brain health worldwide.

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Latest News and Recent Accomplishments

In 2025 and into early 2026, the American Heart Association has continued to expand its impact on research, equity initiatives, and public health:

• At the 2025 Scientific Sessions, global experts gathered to share cutting-edge cardiovascular research, including a record number of scientific abstracts and late-breaking clinical insights.
• The AHA updated its 2025 CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Guidelines, with new recommendations on choking response, opioid overdose interventions, and unified chains of survival.
• Major research highlights released for 2025 identified new ways to prevent and manage high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and dangerous blood clots—strengthening evidence-based care strategies.
• The signature Go Red for Women® campaign continued its mission to improve women’s heart health, with leadership returning to spearhead awareness and education efforts into 2026.
• The AHA’s Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator was extended to support rural hospitals and clinicians through 2028, addressing disparities in cardiovascular care access and outcomes.

These developments reflect the AHA’s ongoing commitment to bridging research, clinical care, community education, and health equity.