News and Stories from the American Heart Association

Avid trekker realizes heart disease is 'always going to be with me'

Sep 16, 2020

A diagnosis of atrial fibrillation was the start of a series of heart and other illnesses for Ray Rivera, who's determined to work hard for good health.

Chef's persistent symptoms at last lead to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy diagnosis

Sep 8, 2020

After years of symptoms, Shawn Lewis finally received diagnoses of heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which led to a temporary heart pump and eventually a heart transplant.

Quadruple bypass, valve replacement were just the first leg of survivor's health journey

Sep 4, 2020

After quadruple bypass surgery and aortic valve replacement, Tom Broussard figured everything was ‘fixed.’ But new cardiovascular challenges taught Broussard, an AHA Heart Valve Ambassador, to view his health on a continuum.

Powered by passion, Creager earns organization's highest volunteer honor

Aug 25, 2020

Dr. Mark Creager has been an AHA volunteer for over three decades. He transformed the research enterprise and embedded peripheral vascular diseases into its construct. For his work, he will receive the AHA's highest volunteer honor – the Gold Heart Award.

He'll be remembered as AHA's pandemic president. And his term will be fondly remembered.

Aug 20, 2020

A career filled with overseeing sprawling challenges prepared Dr. Robert Harrington to be the AHA’s volunteer leader. And when the coronavirus hit, his steady hand guided the organization’s rapid response. His efforts are being appreciated with the Distinguished Leadership Award.

CEO empowers Black men to manage blood pressure, engage with health care system through barbershops

Aug 19, 2020

Andrew Suggs transformed his customer relationship management product into a tool that empowers Black men to manage their high blood pressure through their trusted barbers and to engage with the health care system.

Patient hopes to solve 'puzzle' of his heart condition

Aug 14, 2020

Adam Elliott — and his doctors — thought he suffered from anxiety. But his heart palpitations, chest pain and irregular heartbeats were missed signals of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. After finally getting a proper diagnosis, Elliott now focuses on his health and being with his two boys.

Meet the new AHA president: Mitch Elkind, the second neurologist to hold top post

Aug 11, 2020

When neurologist Dr. Mitch Elkind was named president-elect last year, the move fit AHA’s expansion into brain health. Then came the coronavirus. Yet Elkind remains a great fit: He’s spent the last 20 years studying how infections can cause stroke.

LAPD revolutionized this community. Here's how they turned it around.

Aug 4, 2020

For outstanding service to minority and underserved populations, the LAPD will receive the American Heart Association's 2020 Louis B. Russell Jr. Memorial Award on Oct. 27.

Tore Laerdal shares lifesaving tools on a global stage

Jul 28, 2020

He runs a company with the mission of "helping save lives" and is the winner of the American Heart Association's Ron Haddock International Impact Award.

Arkansas anchor with connection to heart disease to host 'House Calls'

Jul 22, 2020

Chelsea Helms will do a four-week stint for the streaming series, which features live chats with AHA staff and medical experts on topics important to heart and stroke patients.

Buildings are his business. Breaking health barriers is his passion.

Jul 21, 2020

Construction company executive Mike Bolen to receive the American Heart Association’s Award of Meritorious Achievement.