Who is the American Heart Association and What Do They Do?

Beginning in New York in 1915 and evolving into the American Heart Association (AHA) as founded in 1924 by a group of physicians concerned with teaching the facts about heart disease to everyone, the AHA has grown to be a top-ranking non-profit organization throughout the world. The AHA mission of, "Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke" continues today with focus on the science and education of cardiovascular disease which can result in heart attacks and strokes.

The AHA works through volunteers, products and services to promote healthier lifestyles to prevent cardiovascular disease and its extreme symptoms which are heart attack and stroke. The AHA also teaches classes on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). Thanks to the efforts of the AHA more young people are getting training in CPR and the use of an AED.

The tireless efforts of the AHA mission have accomplished the remarkable goal of banishing the ignorance of the causes of cardiovascular disease in America. It is tough to find someone in America today who does not know the basics of what causes cardiovascular disease. The AHA is so respected that some manufacturers of heart healthy foods seek the AHA symbol to put on the labeling of their products.

Though called the American Heart Association, the AHA also focuses its work on awareness of the causes and symptoms of stroke. Much of this work is carried out under the auspices of an affiliate organization known as the American Stroke Association.

The AHA promotes the science of research into cardiovascular disease along with community and healthcare training and provides instructor and student training in CPR and the use of AEDs. All of this has and continues to save lives. The education of the public on healthier lifestyles and healthier food choices to mitigate cardiovascular disease before it starts is a noble goal of the AHA. With shared focus on teaching prevention and training how to save the life of a heart attack or stroke victim, the work of the AHA is rounded out for the benefit of us all. Being a non-profit organization, donations are welcomed and are tax-deductible.