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...
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.