Research highlights how everyday factors from early life through adulthood influence brain health and affect the risk of developing cognitive decline, dementia or stroke. Healthy lifestyle habits such as regular physical activity, healthy sleep habits, and balanced eating patterns can support brain development and healthy aging.
A new study published in Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes journal links cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome to a higher risk of developing cancer. The study found that individuals with advanced heart, kidney, and metabolic disease face a sharper increase in cancer risk only in the later stages of CKM syndrome.
The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator provides early-stage entrepreneurs with nondilutive funding and mentorship to scale purpose-driven health innovations. The program aims to close the gap between innovators closest to communities and those facing barriers to growth.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement recommends that children and adolescents with certain heart conditions participate in physical activities after a detailed individualized risk assessment. Light-to-moderate intensity exercise may be suitable to maintain physical fitness and quality of life, while structured physical...
A new $15 million research network will investigate the causes and treatments of heart valve disease, which affects over 80 million people worldwide. The American Heart Association hopes to develop early warning signs and diagnosis methods to expand treatment options and improve quality of life for patients.
A CDC study found that approximately half a million post-9/11 U.S. veterans had high blood pressure, highlighting the need for early prevention strategies. The study also revealed that Black veterans were more likely to have high blood pressure and women were often undiagnosed.
A large-scale study linked loneliness to an increased risk of degenerative heart valve disease, including aortic valve stenosis and mitral valve regurgitation. Researchers say addressing loneliness could help delay disease progression and reduce the clinical and economic burden of valvular heart disease.
The American Heart Association and NFL will welcome thousands to train in Hands-Only CPR at the NFL Draft, a lifesaving skill that can double or triple a person's chance of survival. This effort aims to empower fans, families, and communities with a simple yet powerful message: be ready to save a life.
The updated guidance offers nine key features of a heart-healthy dietary pattern, emphasizing the importance of making sustainable and personalized choices throughout life. The American Heart Association aims to encourage lifelong adherence to healthy eating patterns to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
The program aims to improve the ability to predict, prevent and treat health complications in people living with Fontan circulation. Clinicians and researchers will generate scientific and clinical insights to develop tools guiding care for patients with Fontan circulation.
The American Heart Association has awarded 32 financial grants to promote CPR training and education in 20 states. These grants will help create safer school environments and empower students to learn lifesaving skills. The long-term goal is to ensure anyone can perform CPR in the face of a cardiac emergency.
A new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that children born to mothers with placental abruption are at a higher risk of developing heart disease or dying from cardiovascular disease by age 28. The risk was approximately 4.6 times higher compared to those born without this complication.
The American Heart Association has announced its inaugural Health Care by Food award, recognizing a study that explored effective ways to integrate healthy food into clinical care for Native Americans with uncontrolled hypertension. The study provided compelling evidence that culturally tailored, heart-healthy food box interventions ca...
Adolescents who replaced half an hour of sedentary behaviors with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity or sleep showed a 15% lower insulin resistance. This study highlights the importance of being active early in life for long-term health, aligning with the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 metrics.
Higher blood pressure during young adulthood may lead to an increased risk of heart and kidney disease later in life, even with a low predicted 10-year risk. Maintaining healthy blood pressure is critical for preventing or reducing the risk of these diseases.
Research suggests that limiting sedentary time to eight hours and increasing light physical activity to seven hours a day can reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. The study found incremental associations between more physical activity and lower risk of developing preeclampsia or gestational hypertension.
A new study published in the Hypertension journal found that women who experience pregnancy complications may face an increased risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. Higher stress levels during and after pregnancy are associated with higher blood pressure levels 2-to-7 years after delivery.
The American Heart Association is the most trusted public health source after personal physicians, with 82% of U.S. adults expressing confidence. The Association plays a crucial role in supporting informed health decisions with evidence-driven guidance.
The American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical have launched Self-Guided Learning, a flexible resuscitation training delivery model, to provide equitable access to high-quality training. The model allows learners to complete HeartCode Complete courses on their own schedule, using advanced simulation technology to verify skills.
The American Heart Association brought hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and Hands-Only CPR awareness to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the U.S. Hundreds of students, athletes, and community members received hands-on CPR demonstrations.
A new study found that heart attack deaths rose by 1.2% among adults under 55, particularly women who were more likely to die from a severe form of the condition. The research highlights the need for earlier risk identification and consideration of non-traditional risk factors to improve treatment.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement projects that nearly 6 in 10 US women will have some type of cardiovascular disease by 2050, driven by rising rates in high blood pressure and other health factors. The economic burden is expected to be at least $200 billion annually.
A new collaborative clinician education program will equip cardiologists and OB-GYNs with practical tools to identify and treat cardiovascular risk in midlife women. The program aims to close treatment gaps and provide proactive, integrated care during menopause.
A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging found that women with lower plaque levels in their arteries are still at risk of heart attacks. The research suggests that moderate increases in plaque burden can have a disproportionate impact on women due to their smaller coronary arteries.
The American Heart Association is hosting a free webinar on revocable living trusts and charitable remainder unitrusts to help donors simplify their estate planning. The session will feature real-life examples and practical guidance from experts in wealth management, estate law, and trust administration.
The American Heart Association warns that heart valve disease will double by 2040, requiring early detection and intervention. Timely diagnosis can expand treatment options, prevent complications, and improve quality of life, particularly for women who are more likely to be misdiagnosed or diagnosed later.
The American Heart Association urges everyone to take action to support women's heart health in four ways: know your numbers, join Research Goes Red, and celebrate survivors. The organization aims to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease in women, which is the leading cause of death in women, claiming 1 in 3 lives.
Millions of Americans are unaware of heart risks that don't start in the heart, including diabetes and kidney disease. A new American Heart Association update highlights the connection between these conditions, emphasizing the importance of screening for kidney disease to prevent complications through lifestyle changes and treatment.
The new guideline provides a clinical classification system to assess the severity of acute pulmonary embolism, which can lower oxygen levels in the blood, damage lung tissue, and put serious strain on the heart. Prompt diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications such as cardiac arrest and death.
The American Heart Association reports that millions of US adults with diabetes are unaware they have it, while nine in ten with chronic kidney disease do not know they have it. Regular screening can catch problems early, with approximately 80% of heart attacks and strokes being preventable.
A special issue of Circulation highlights progress in women's cardiovascular health, featuring sex-specific research on prevention, diagnosis and management. The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women initiative supports over 200,000 healthcare professionals with educational tools to improve women's health.
During American Heart Month 2026, the National Fraternal Order of Police and the American Heart Association urge Americans to learn CPR and be initial first responders. Immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival in cardiac arrest cases.
A study of 2,700 adults found that South Asian adults in the US had higher rates of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure compared to peers from other populations. This suggests the need for earlier screening and risk-factor management to prevent heart disease.
A Phase III clinical trial found that neuroprotective medication loberamisal improved brain cell recovery in stroke patients treated within 48 hours. The study, conducted at 32 centers in China, compared loberamisal to a placebo and showed significant benefits.
A new treatment combining restricted arm use with intensive physical therapy improved function and skills on the weak side in infants with perinatal arterial ischemic stroke. While results were promising, differences in responses among children highlight the need for further research.
Researchers have found that adding daily asundexian to antiplatelet therapy can reduce the risk of a second ischemic stroke without increasing bleeding risks. The study, which included over 12,300 stroke survivors, suggests that asundexian could be widely used for patients who have had non-cardioembolic strokes or TIA.
A new consumer survey shows nearly six in ten Americans still believe only trained individuals should perform Hands-Only CPR. Immediate CPR is proven to improve outcomes, and research indicates it can double or triple a person's chance of survival. To learn more about Hands-Only CPR, visit the American Heart Association website.
The American Heart Association and NFL collaborate to provide Hands-Only CPR instruction during Super Bowl Experience, aiming to double survival rates by 2030. Qualified trainers will be on site, offering walk-up style instruction to the public.
The American Heart Association and the National Football League have selected 136 schools nationwide to receive grants to promote physical activity and well-being for students and faculty. The grants will support four key areas, including physical activity equipment, FLAG football, and well-being resources.
The Major Arena Soccer League is launching a league-wide initiative called Play with Heart, which aims to educate fans on Hands-Only CPR and promote heart health. The campaign will run throughout February and include in-arena activations, educational resources, and public service messages.
A new study has found that improving blood flow to the brain by opening narrowed carotid arteries does not improve cognitive skills. The CREST-2 trial compared treatments and found no difference in thinking or memory over time among participants who received stenting, surgery, or intensive medical therapy.
Researchers found that adding alteplase to thrombectomy can significantly increase the chances of an excellent recovery in patients with large-artery ischemic strokes. The CHOICE2 trial showed improved outcomes in patients who received clot-busting medication after successful thrombectomy.
The American Heart Association has awarded 11 exceptional scientists in stroke and brain health, including Bruce Ovbiagele, Pooja Khatri, and Raghu Vemuganti, for their groundbreaking research findings and contributions to the field. The recipients will be recognized at the International Stroke Conference 2026.
Leading fashion retailers join forces with the American Heart Association to support Go Red. Shop with Heart., a campaign to raise funds and awareness for cardiovascular disease among women. The initiative aims to drive heart health awareness and support the fight against America's number one killer, heart disease.
A type of electromagnetic therapy combined with physical therapy significantly reduced overall disability in stroke survivors. Researchers found that this therapy stimulated specific brain pathways and improved functional recovery for patients after stroke.
A study found that cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) significantly increases the risk of developing dementia within 5 years, even more than stroke. Researchers analyzed Medicare data from over 1.9 million adults and found that CAA greatly increased dementia risk, regardless of whether patients had a stroke or not.
A study found that women who have had an ischemic stroke are at a higher risk of having another stroke during pregnancy and in the six weeks after childbirth. This increased risk is not influenced by other risk factors, emphasizing the need for targeted preventive efforts.
A preliminary study suggests that people with a type of aneurysm and cervical artery dissection do not have an increased risk of stroke within the first six months after diagnosis. This finding provides important information to help healthcare professionals better monitor and manage patients during this critical period.
A new risk calculator estimates the likelihood of adults developing dementia within ten years after a stroke. Researchers created a tool that stratifies people into five different levels of dementia risk based on underlying health and stroke characteristics.
A preliminary study found that monitoring driving behavior may help identify older adults at higher risk for unsafe driving, loss of independence, and subtle cognitive problems. People taking ACE inhibitors tend to maintain safer driving habits even with brain scans showing damage.