About

The mission of the American Heart Association is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier 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 their more than 40 million volunteers and supporters as well as their more than 2,800 employees. Learn more about their impact over time. 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. They want to see a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Their size and scope let them have real impact. They have invested more than $4.5 billion in research, more than any U.S. nonprofit organization. Learn more about their life-changing funded research breakthroughs.