What it takes to be 'relentless'
Feb 12, 2024
Presidential advisory explores the AHA as a multifaceted engine of past, present and future progress.
American Heart Association
The AHA turns 100
For 100 years, the American Heart Association, along with our volunteers, supporters and collaborating organizations, has worked to build longer, healthier lives. Here is a look at major feats over our first century.
When the AHA was founded June 10, 1924, heart disease was considered a death sentence. The best option for many people, they were told, was bed rest. There was no treatment, no hope. But the AHA’s founders didn’t believe that. They felt that if we only understood heart disease, treatments would follow. And were they ever right. Fast-forward to today and there are not only treatments, but proven ways to lower your risk for heart disease as well as stroke. Through scientific research and the power of millions of volunteers and supporters, we have a deeper understanding of the many factors that contribute to these diseases: from traditional medical issues such has high blood pressure to societal problems, structural racism and discrimination.
A century of progress against cardiovascular disease
While the AHA began as a small medical association, it’s now, well, everywhere. The dedication of millions of volunteers and supporters has resulted in healthier lives wherever you turn: the grocery store, restaurants, airplanes, communities and, of course, in hospitals and doctor’s offices.
Did you know?
A century of historical tidbits
Dr. Helen Brooke had dyslexia and, by the time she graduated from medical school, had lost most of her hearing. She became known as the founder of pediatric cardiology and, in 1965, was the first woman to serve as president of the American Heart Association.
Bold Stories From the Heart
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Cardiac arrest survivor Lynda Marino shares her story of survival and recovery
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Heart attack survivor Chantrise Holliman shares her story of survival and recovery
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Stroke survivor Marissa Fattore shares her story of survival and recovery
History at Heart
American Heart Association News looks at what we've learned about heart and brain health over the past century, and what’s next.
A century later, psychologist carries on a heart-focused family legacy
Jan 30, 2024
When Katie Sears Edwards works with patients, she feels a special connection to a distant relative, Paul Dudley White, the late cardiology pioneer who co-founded the American Heart Association.
Introducing the Centennial Collection: A century of cardiology progress
Jan 9, 2024
Legendary cardiologist Eugene Braunwald provides perspective on 100 years of medical progress against heart disease.
Our Future Is About Improving Yours
Donate
Join us in preventing and overcoming heart disease and stroke by giving now. Your donation fuels essential research, advocacy for healthy communities, enhanced patient care, and equitable health access for everyone.
Second Century
Your support is the heartbeat of the American Heart Association and will help us achieve our anniversary celebration goal of raising $500 million by June 2024.
Centennial Edition Merchandise on ShopHeart
Limited edition merchandise created exclusively for the celebration of our centennial anniversary.
