Research suggests that mental health conditions, including PTSD, substance abuse, and depression, can increase the risk of future cardiovascular risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death. Alcohol abuse was found to be the top psychiatric predictor of serious heart and brain conditions for both men and women.
A new guideline from the American Stroke Association emphasizes the importance of early, individualized rehabilitation to help survivors of stroke regain independence and quality of life. The comprehensive approach addresses physical, cognitive, communication, and emotional challenges throughout recovery.
A new study found that nearly 8 out of 10 young adult participants had cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, with early signs of arterial injury. The study suggests promoting the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 early in life to improve cardiovascular health.
The American Heart Association is launching a global health tech competition to accelerate innovation in cardiovascular and brain health. The competition connects market-ready solutions with opportunities to scale into real-world healthcare, emphasizing clinical validation and alignment with evidence-based care.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that even low levels of physical activity can increase life expectancy for adults with or without atrial fibrillation. The research tracked over 87,000 adults in Norway for 15 years and found a positive association between physical activity and reduced stro...
Nearly 23 million Americans with high blood pressure may be eligible for treatment according to the 2025 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guideline. Lifestyle changes are key, but medication can save thousands of lives if prescribed and combined with lifestyle modifications.
The American Heart Association states that consuming up to 400 mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to 5 cups of caffeinated coffee, is safe and may be linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease for some individuals. However, high doses of caffeine from energy drinks and other sources may cause cardiovascular harm.
The American Heart Association and the National Football League have awarded $350,000 in grants to 164 schools across 44 states to promote physical activity and student well-being. The NFL PLAY 60 initiative encourages children to engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.
At the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, fans learned Hands-Only CPR skills, receiving walk-up instruction and learning simple lifesaving techniques. Over 2500 attendees mastered chest compressions at the proper depth and pace, increasing chances of survival.
Research reveals a link between socio-economic factors and health outcomes for adults with congenital heart disease, highlighting the need for improved access to specialized cardiac care.
Research suggests a potential biological pathway linking chronic oral gum disease to calcific aortic valve stenosis, a common and serious heart valve disease. Studies found bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis present in calcified aortic valves, leading to inflammation and valve hardening.
The American Heart Association brought Hands-Only CPR training to FIFA Fan events in the US, with over 8,000 attendees participating. This effort aims to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030 and educate more people on lifesaving skills.
A global analysis found alcohol use and smoking to be common risk factors for both breast cancer and atrial fibrillation/flutter in women ages 55 and older. High-risk zones were predominantly in Western countries with greater exposure to these lifestyle risks.
The study found a 37% increase in obesity and a two-fold increase in severe obesity among both adults and youth over 20 years. Obesity rates have major implications for cardiovascular disease and mortality, highlighting the need for targeted initiatives to address the rising epidemic.
Dr. Bradley A. Maron, a renowned clinical cardiologist and researcher, takes the helm as editor-in-chief of Circulation, shaping the journal's editorial direction and commitment to practice-changing science. He aims to reinvigorate cardiovascular science and medicine published in Circulation with additional transparency.
The American Heart Association has named its new volunteer leaders for the 2026-27 fiscal year, including Manesh R. Patel as volunteer president and Lee A. Shapiro as chairperson. Patel is a physician/scientist specializing in interventional cardiology, while Shapiro is a financial expert in health technology.
A new study found that GLP-1 receptor agonists can improve long-term health for people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), managing blood sugar and weight loss while reducing inflammation and improving blood vessel function. The benefits were highest among participants with severe PAD and obesity.
Research studies show that e-cigarette chemicals may harm cardiovascular health, including irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest. The American Heart Association cautions consumers and policymakers about the potential risks of e-cigarette use.
The updated international definition of heart failure introduces a new classification system emphasizing earlier detection and personalized treatment. The revised framework standardizes terminology, recognizing that heart failure is not a static condition.
A long-term study published in Circulation found that consuming sugary drinks and fruit juice in childhood may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure later in life. The study suggests that substituting these beverages with whole fruits, milk, and water may be associated with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure.
The NFL PLAY 60 initiative encourages children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day to support both immediate and long-term physical and mental health. The program is rooted in the American Heart Association's physical activity guidelines, which recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily fo...
The American Heart Association and International Federation for Emergency Medicine collaborate to strengthen training, research, and systems of care for emergency cardiovascular and resuscitative care. The three-year agreement aims to improve access to training, education, and emergency care resources in low- and middle-income countries.
A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials found that using smartphone apps or wearable technologies can increase daily step count and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among people with heart disease. The analysis showed that digital tools, such as self-monitoring, feedback, and goal setting, can motivate patients to be more active.
Research in mice and human heart cells suggests that synthetic cooling agents in e-cigarettes can disrupt heart rhythm, causing abnormal beats and increased cardiovascular risk. The study's findings have implications for policymakers reviewing current rules on coolants used in vapes.
The American Heart Association's Primary Care Perspectives platform provides practical education and tools to identify cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic risk factors connected to heart failure. This initiative aims to improve long-term outcomes and reduce preventable disease progression by supporting earlier identification and mana...
The new clinical practice guideline provides recommendations for identifying cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome risk earlier and taking action to protect long-term heart, metabolic, and kidney health. Lifestyle modification, including the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 measures, can help prevent a range of ...
The new clinical guideline identifies excess weight, especially in the abdomen, as a key driver for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome. Nearly 9 in 10 adults in the US have at least one condition within this syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and metabolic conditions like diabetes and obesity.
Adults with both obesity and an autoimmune disease who took a GLP-1-based medication had fewer emergency department visits and lower mortality rates compared to those not taking the medication. The study analyzed data from over 26,000 adults treated in the OneFlorida+ network between 2014 and 2024.
The American Heart Association introduces a new certification to recognize advanced expertise in managing stroke programs, improving outcomes and driving quality improvements. Certified coordinators play a central role in reducing length of stay, lowering mortality rates, and decreasing readmissions.
The NWSL has partnered with the American Heart Association to promote lifesaving CPR education and empower communities to act in critical moments. The league-wide initiative, led by Angel City FC defender Savy King, aims to double survival rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by 2030.
The American Heart Association has named eight companies to its Heart and Brain Health Accelerator, a program designed to advance innovative technologies in cardiovascular health. The selected companies will receive mentorship, coaching, and capacity building from the American Heart Association Ventures.
The American Heart Association has launched a new research network to improve heart transplant outcomes, with $4.5 million in funding. The initiative aims to address long-standing gaps in innovation, equity, and patient outcomes by fostering collaboration across institutions and generating actionable data.
The American Heart Association and Houston Texans trained nearly 100 youth sports coaches in CPR and AED use, gaining hands-on experience to recognize cardiac arrest. Without immediate CPR, more than 90% of people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive.
The American Heart Association will bring its Nation of Lifesavers mobile CPR unit to FIFA Fan Festivals in four US host cities, offering Hands-Only CPR instruction to thousands of people. This initiative aims to increase community preparedness and survival rates by empowering more people to act in cardiac emergencies.
Regular physical activity improves blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels, and cardiorespiratory fitness in adults with overweight or obesity. Exercise is essential for maintaining weight loss and supporting overall heart and metabolic health.
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward is promoting Hands-Only CPR and empowering bystanders to save lives through a new American Heart Association campaign. The campaign aims to close the gap of bystanders performing CPR only about 41% of the time.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adults with better Life's Essential 8 scores had lower odds of becoming severely ill or dying from COVID-19. The research suggests that having a healthy heart helps prepare the body for real-life stress tests, such as infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Anh Phoong, a Sacramento-based attorney and community advocate, has won the 2026 National Woman of Impact award from the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement. She was recognized for her efforts to raise awareness about women's heart health in her local community and across the nation.
Leonardo Oliveira, a Tampa Bay-based teen and community advocate, has been named the 2026 National Teen of Impact Winner for his efforts in raising awareness and funds for lifesaving research, advocacy, and education. He focused on nutrition and supporting access to nutrient-rich foods in local food deserts.
A new study published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology found that a smart-technology wearable wristband can automatically detect cardiac arrest with 92% accuracy. The device uses photoplethysmography algorithm to measure changes in blood flow, allowing continuous and unobtrusive monitoring in daily life.
The American Heart Association launches an initiative to address critical gaps in emergency communication systems nationwide. The program aims to foster the best use of technology and improve care for patients experiencing cardiac arrest or strokes.
A new science advisory calls for coordinated international efforts to reduce disparities in care for children with Kawasaki disease, a rare but serious illness primarily affecting young children. The advisory highlights the importance of sharing data, expertise, and best practices to improve heart health outcomes for children with Kawa...
A new study published in Stroke journal reveals that people with a prior heart attack are at higher risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. The study analyzed over 20,000 adults and found that those who had a heart attack were more likely to experience declines in thinking and memory skills over time.
A cluster randomized trial launched by the American Heart Association aims to improve detection of Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in hospitalized patients with heart failure. The study evaluates a structured, provider-focused educational intervention to enhance diagnostic testing and confirmed diagnosis of ATTR-CM.
Women's cardiovascular health declines during perimenopause, a transitional period marked by hormonal and metabolic changes. Proactive lifestyle strategies, such as regular exercise and heart-healthy eating, can help improve cardiovascular health during this critical time.
A new study published in Stroke found that muscle loss, weak grip, and slow walking pace are associated with a higher risk of stroke. People with low muscle strength had a 30% higher risk of any type of stroke compared to those with high muscle strength.
The American Stroke Association honors seven Stroke Heroes for their efforts in supporting survivors and caregivers through connection, education, and shared experiences. The winners showcase how personal experience can become a source of strength for others, reducing isolation and helping fellow survivors find a path forward.
Knowing stroke signs can help protect the brain, reduce long-term disability, and save a life, according to the American Stroke Association. Approximately 2 million brain cells die every minute when stroke goes untreated, making early recognition critical.
The American Heart Association warns that healthcare affordability has reached crisis levels, with total spending approaching $5 trillion annually. The association proposes five guiding principles for action by lawmakers and policymakers to address the issue.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that methamphetamine use accounted for nearly 15% of heart attacks in a northern California study. People who suffered meth-related heart attacks were often young- to middle-aged men without traditional heart disease risk factors, highlighting the need for spe...