Learn More About our Organization
For nearly 100 years, we’ve been fighting heart disease and stroke, striving to save and improve lives.
The six cardiologists who founded the American Heart Association in 1924 would be amazed.
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.
Top Executives
In the dynamic world of business leadership, your influence is unparalleled. At The American Heart Association, we understand the pivotal role you play in shaping industries, driving innovation, and inspiring change. As top executives, your vision, expertise, and commitment are the driving force behind our collective success. Join us on a journey of empowerment, collaboration, and limitless possibilities. Together, let’s redefine the future of leadership and propel our organizations to new heights. Welcome to a community where excellence knows no bounds, and together, we’ll chart a course towards unparalleled achievement.
Nancy Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Under Nancy’s leadership as CEO since 2008, the AHA has become a global authority on cardiovascular and brain health as well as overall health and well-being. Forging powerful partnerships – together with 40 million volunteers, supporters and staff – Nancy champions equitable health for all and is committed to innovation at the intersection of science, technology and public health on behalf of patients everywhere.
Robert Califf M.D.
Head, Strategy and Policy, Verily
“Throughout his career, Dr. Califf has been a relentless force in the fight against heart disease and stroke. As FDA commissioner, Dr. Califf will put this experience to work leading the agency’s critical efforts to protect and improve the public’s health. The American Heart Association congratulates Dr. Califf on his confirmation and thanks the Senate for its bipartisan support of an outstanding leader.
Our Impact
For nearly 100 years, 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.
13.6%
Reduction in Deaths From Stroke
Since February 2018
$5 BILLION
Invested in Research Funding Since 1949
More than any U.S. organization except the federal government
22 MILLION
People Trained in CPR Each Year
Our curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking skills, preparing students for success in any field.
15.1%
Reduction in Deaths From Heart Disease
Since February 2018
Our Lifesaving History
Before the American Heart Association existed, people with heart disease were thought to be doomed to complete bed rest — or destined to imminent death.
But a handful of pioneering physicians and social workers believed it didn’t have to be that way. They conducted studies to learn more about heart disease, America’s No. 1 killer. Then, on June 10, 1924, they met in Chicago to form the American Heart Association — believing that scientific research could lead the way to better treatment, prevention and ultimately a cure. The early American Heart Association enlisted help from hundreds, then thousands, of physicians and scientists.
“We were living in a time of almost unbelievable ignorance about heart disease,” said Paul Dudley White, one of six cardiologists who founded the organization.
In 1948, the association reorganized, transforming from a professional scientific society to a nationwide voluntary health organization composed of science and lay volunteers and supported by professional staff.
Since then, the AHA has grown rapidly in size and influence — nationally and internationally — into an organization of more than 35 million volunteers and supporters dedicated to improving heart health and reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
