How the war against rheumatic heart disease was – and wasn't – won
Aug 23, 2024
Rheumatic fever is no longer "childhood's greatest enemy" in the United States. But the problem isn't history.
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.
Our Future is About Improving Yours
The American Heart Association is committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere, creating a vision for brighter tomorrows free from heart disease and stroke. Join us in celebrating survivors and caregivers and honoring those we have lost.
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
Eleanor Roosevelt, who was born Oct. 11, 1884, regularly mentioned the American Heart Association in her newspaper columns.
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.
Read more from History at Heart
What might the next century hold for cardiovascular disease prevention and care?
Jun 28, 2024
The past century brought profound advances in our understanding and treatment of heart disease and stroke. Experts say prevention, innovative technology and addressing disparities will be paramount in the next 100 years.
Heart disease and stroke could affect at least 60% of adults in U.S. by 2050
Jun 4, 2024
An aging, more diverse population with rising cardiovascular risk factors – especially obesity and high blood pressure – will drive big increases in heart disease and stroke over the next 30 years, according to new projections.
Join the Movement to be Healthy for GoodTM
As the American Heart Association harnesses 100 years of saving and improving lives to boldly build a Second Century of equitable health for all.
Healthy for Good is a healthy living movement to inspire lasting change in your health and your life, one small step at a time.
The approach is simple: Eat smart. Move more. Be well.
Bold Stories From the Heart
-
Peripartum cardiomyopathy survivor Yanela Vickers shares her story of survival and recovery
-
Heart attack survivor Chantrise Holliman shares her story of survival and recovery
-
Congestive heart failure survivor Naz Saleem shares her story of survival and recovery
A Century of Heart
Stories about the American Heart Association’s 100 years of progress fighting heart disease, stroke and related conditions.
Read more from A Century of Heart 
What it takes to be 'relentless'
Presidential advisory explores the AHA as a multifaceted engine of past, present and future progress.
AHA marks 100th birthday at site where organization was founded
Centennial event in Chicago celebrates volunteers, supporters and a century of progress.
Decades of CPR leadership have enhanced AHA's lifesaving mission
Science, advocacy and outreach aim to ensure that more people survive cardiac arrest.
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.