American Heart Association logoAmerican Heart Association

About Us

Over our 100-year history, we've been fighting heart disease and stroke, striving to save and improve lives.
really happy grandpa smiling and laughing with granddaughter

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.


Our Mission

To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

Two Hearts Beating as One

The American Stroke Association is a division of the American Heart Association. The ASA amplifies our efforts to educate people about stroke prevention and treatment.

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. And there’s no letting up in the next 100 years as we remain devoted to a future of health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
Nancy Brown

NANCY BROWN
Chief Executive Officer

Watch a message from Nancy

2024-25 Board of Directors

Officers

Marsha Jones

Lee Shapiro

Raymond P. Vara, Jr.

Keith Churchwell, M.D., FAHA

Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA

Joseph C. Wu, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA 

Linda Gooden

Directors

Michelle A. Albert, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA

Cheryl Anderson, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S., FAHA

Regina M. Benjamin, M.D., MBA 

Tom Greco

Mindy Grossman

Robert A. Harrington, M.D., FAHA

Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, M.D., Sc.M., FAHA

Katie Miller-Smith


Manesh Patel, M.D., FAHA

Cheryl Pegus, M.D., M.P.H.

James J. Postl

Vicente Reynal

Marcella Roberts, Esq.

Jorge Saucedo, M.D., MBA, FAHA

Bertram L. Scott

Svati Shah, M.D., M.S., MHS, FAHA

Bob Swan

John J. Warner, M.D., FAHA