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.
A study analyzing hospital registry data found that people taking multiple antiplatelet medications after a brain bleed were more likely to die before leaving the hospital. The researchers compared patients with no antiplatelet therapy to those taking one or two antiplatelet medications, finding a higher risk of death in the latter group.
A preliminary study found that stroke survivors who felt less able to openly share their feelings had slower physical and cognitive recovery. Researchers assessed participants' perception of social constraints at 3 months after their stroke, revealing a link between social constraint and overall disability.
A new smartwatch app called SocialBit measures social interactions of hospitalized stroke survivors, potentially preserving cognition, social engagement, and quality of life. The app distinguishes between hospital personnel and non-hospital interactions, identifying potential cases of social isolation.
Middle-aged and older adults who were more active in the evenings had poorer cardiovascular health compared to their peers who were more active during the day. This study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that evening chronotypes are associated with behaviors that can affect cardiovascular health, such ...
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of aggressive blood pressure control, early recognition of stroke symptoms, and prompt treatment for pregnant and postpartum women. Controlling blood pressure before and after delivery can help save lives and improve outcomes for mothers and their babies.
The updated guideline recommends rapid diagnosis, imaging, and coordinated care to improve outcomes. It also introduces first-ever pediatric stroke guidance, highlighting the importance of prompt recognition and timely treatments.
Two studies found that minor adjustments in sodium content could produce significant public health benefits without requiring individual behavior change. The research suggests reducing salt in packaged and prepared foods could prevent cases of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and deaths.
The American Heart Association warns of cold weather's impact on cardiovascular disease. To stay heart-healthy in winter storms, know the dangers and take necessary precautions.
American Heart Association names Indiana University head coach Curt Cignetti national college football Coach of the Year, marking a dramatic turnaround in his second season. The award honors exceptional leadership and excellence, with proceeds benefiting heart health research and awareness.
The American Heart Association is hosting multiple pre-conference symposia at the International Stroke Conference in New Orleans, February 4-6, 2026. These symposia cover topics such as state-of-the-science stroke nursing, brain health, and addressing disparities in stroke care. The events are designed to advance stroke and brain healt...
The number of heart disease and stroke deaths in the US has declined, but these conditions still account for over a quarter of all deaths. The latest data from the American Heart Association shows that fewer people are dying from any cause, with death rates improving, but cardiovascular disease remains a major concern.
Obesity is a chronic health condition associated with harm to health, affecting more than one-third of the US population. A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes socioeconomic and structural barriers to obesity prevention and management.
Jerry Mack, Kennesaw State University coach, received the American Heart Association's Paul 'Bear' Bryant Newcomer Coach of the Year Award for his historic season. He led the Owls to a 10-4 record and Conference USA championship, marking only the fourth time a team has won 10 or more games in its second year of FBS reclassification.
Research highlights racial-ethnic differences in pregnancy-related high blood pressure risk, with Pacific Islanders and Filipinos more likely to develop a hypertensive disorder. Early identification and treatment can help prevent serious complications for both pregnant individuals and their infants.
A new study in Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes journal found that TV characters were more likely to receive CPR than real-life counterparts. This discrepancy highlights the need for accurate depictions of hands-only CPR on television.
The new 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans highlight the importance of a balanced diet in preventing chronic diseases. The guidelines encourage increasing consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while limiting sugary drinks and processed foods.
A new study found that light intensity activities, such as walking or household chores, were associated with a lower risk of death for people with CKM syndrome. The researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to compare activity level duration for each CKM syndrome stage.
Laura Merrick, a Chicago health information leader, has been named the 2025 National Leaders of Impact Winner by the American Heart Association. She raised over $380,000 to support heart health initiatives, including blood pressure hubs and CPR education.
New research from the American Heart Association finds a strong association between gum disease and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and cardiometabolic health conditions. The study suggests that effective prevention and treatment of gum disease could potentially decrease the burden of cardiov...
A new American Heart Association scientific statement suggests that combination pills combining two or more medications may help adults with high blood pressure achieve optimal blood pressure goals more quickly, reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke, and improve long-term health. Currently, most people need two or more medicatio...
Cuffless devices, such as smartwatches and patches, have shown promise in measuring blood pressure but require standardized validation for medical decision-making. The American Heart Association has outlined key limitations and recommended further research to establish their accuracy.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that women with uterine fibroids are at an elevated risk of heart disease. The research, which analyzed data from over 450,000 women, suggests that fibroids may serve as a marker for identifying women at increased cardiovascular risk.
The American Heart Association honors nine students, schools, and educators for their efforts to create healthier classrooms and communities. Participants in the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs are recognized for building a culture of wellness, stress management, and lifesaving skills.
The NWSL and American Heart Association are teaming up to equip all 16 teams with Hands-Only CPR and AED education, empowering players, staff, and coaches to act in cardiac emergencies. Learning Hands-Only CPR can double or triple survival chances.
New research reveals that low-level smoking poses significant cardiovascular risks, with any level of smoking increasing the risk of heart disease and death. Quitting smoking can take decades to restore health to pre-smoking levels.
Dental teams can identify hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk through blood pressure screenings in routine care visits. The American Heart Association's Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative provides standard blood pressure screening and referral guides, empowering dentists to connect patients with primary care.
The American Heart Association is scaling up its efforts to improve diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common inherited heart disease. With new support from Cytokinetics, the program will standardize care for HCM patients, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce risks associated with the disease.
A new study published in the Hypertension Journal found that chronic pain in adults may increase their risk of developing high blood pressure, with depression playing a significant role. The study analyzed data from over 200,000 adults and found that widespread pain was associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure.
Using stress cardiac MRI testing to measure blood flow around the heart appears to improve diagnosis and patient quality of life for people with suspected angina. The test can help identify small vessel problems that may be causing chest pain, which are often under-recognized in women and other groups.
A new study found that providing healthy, medically tailored meals and fresh produce boxes along with nutrition counseling can improve the quality of life for people with heart failure. The 90-day trial showed significant benefits compared to dietary counseling without food delivery.
A study found that combining PCSK9 inhibitor alirocumab with statin rosuvastatin reduced LDL cholesterol levels by more than 50% among patients after a heart transplant. The treatment was safe and showed significant cholesterol-lowering impact, but further studies are needed for confirmation.