Dr. Nanette Wenger, the queen of hearts
Mar 4, 2024
Heart disease was once considered a man's disease. Dr. Nanette Wenger changed that. But the 93-year-old cardiologist says her work is not yet done.
American Heart Association
The AHA turns 100
For 100 years, the American Heart Association, along with our volunteers, supporters and collaborating organizations, has worked to build longer, healthier lives. Here is a look at major feats over our first century.
When the AHA was founded June 10, 1924, heart disease was considered a death sentence. The best option for many people, they were told, was bed rest. There was no treatment, no hope. But the AHA’s founders didn’t believe that. They felt that if we only understood heart disease, treatments would follow. And were they ever right. Fast-forward to today and there are not only treatments, but proven ways to lower your risk for heart disease as well as stroke. Through scientific research and the power of millions of volunteers and supporters, we have a deeper understanding of the many factors that contribute to these diseases: from traditional medical issues such has high blood pressure to societal problems, structural racism and discrimination.
A century of progress against cardiovascular disease
While the AHA began as a small medical association, it’s now, well, everywhere. The dedication of millions of volunteers and supporters has resulted in healthier lives wherever you turn: the grocery store, restaurants, airplanes, communities and, of course, in hospitals and doctor’s offices.
Did you know?
A century of historical tidbits
In the 1920s and early 1930s, the American Heart Association shared office space with the National Tuberculosis Association, which later became the American Lung Association.
History at Heart
American Heart Association News looks at what we've learned about heart and brain health over the past century, and what’s next.
Read more from History at Heart
At 97, AHA's first Black president looks back at his pioneering career
Feb 28, 2024
Dr. Edward Cooper's legacy includes upping the emphasis on stroke and inclusion with the American Heart Association – plus a family filled with doctors.
The presidential heart attack that changed America
Feb 15, 2024
President Dwight Eisenhower's crisis provoked panic, but it turned into a moment of national learning about heart health.
Bold Stories From the Heart
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Peripartum cardiomyopathy survivor Yanela Vickers shares her story of survival and recovery
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Heart attack survivor Chantrise Holliman shares her story of survival and recovery
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Congestive heart failure survivor Naz Saleem shares her story of survival and recovery
A Century of Heart
Stories about the American Heart Association’s 100 years of progress fighting heart disease, stroke and related conditions.
Read more from A Century of Heart 
What it takes to be 'relentless'
Presidential advisory explores the AHA as a multifaceted engine of past, present and future progress.
At the AHA, advocacy leads to health impact
Thousands of public policy successes have improved lives across the country. But in pursuing equitable heart and brain health, many important goals remain.
Early last century, this social worker changed cardiac care
Bellevue's Mary E. Wadley helped ensure heart patients could continue to be monitored medically after hospital discharge.
Our Future Is About Improving Yours
Donate
Join us in preventing and overcoming heart disease and stroke by giving now. Your donation fuels essential research, advocacy for healthy communities, enhanced patient care, and equitable health access for everyone.
Second Century
Your support is the heartbeat of the American Heart Association and will help us achieve our anniversary celebration goal of raising $500 million by June 2024.
Centennial Edition Merchandise on ShopHeart
Limited edition merchandise created exclusively for the celebration of our centennial anniversary.
