A growing understanding of the link between movement and health
Apr 10, 2024
How people exercise and what we know about the way it benefits health has changed substantially over the past century.
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.
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
Star Jones's 2011 appearance on "Celebrity Appearance" raised $170,000 for the American Heart Association.
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
Dr. Helen Taussig's work saved 'blue babies' and made her the mother of pediatric cardiology
Mar 28, 2024
Dr. Helen Taussig devoted her life to preventing suffering in children and bringing greater attention to pediatric cardiology. She also became the American Heart Association's first woman president.
Too much of a food thing: A century of change in how we eat
Mar 13, 2024
How Americans' eating habits have altered – and how our eating habits have altered us.
Bold Stories From the Heart
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Peripartum cardiomyopathy survivor Yanela Vickers shares her story of survival and recovery
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Heart attack survivor Chantrise Holliman shares her story of survival and recovery
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Stroke survivor Marissa Fattore 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.
At the AHA, advocacy leads to health impact
Thousands of public policy successes have improved lives across the country. But in pursuing equitable heart and brain health, many important goals remain.
Early last century, this social worker changed cardiac care
Bellevue's Mary E. Wadley helped ensure heart patients could continue to be monitored medically after hospital discharge.
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.
