National Health Council — Voluntary Health Agency Guide

American Heart Association, Inc.

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a not-for-profit, voluntary health organization funded by private contributions. The Association’s goal is to provide reliable information to the American public on prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke. To accomplish this, the Association seeks to: (1) discover, interpret and process science, (2) develop and communicate consumer health information, (3) advocate the Association’s position to key audiences, and (4) generate resources.

The AHA spent about $337 million during fiscal year 1999-2000 on research support, public and professional education and community programs. Nationwide, AHA has grown to include more than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters who carry out AHA’s mission in communities across the country. The Association is the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, which annually kill about 927,000 Americans.

About the condition(s):

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) — including heart disease and stroke — are the number one killer of American men and woman. More than 70 million Americans have one or more of them, and the 927,000 people die from them represent over 34 percent of all deaths in the United States. Some of the specific diseases are heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, congenital heart disease, disorders of heart rhythm, and peripheral vascular disease. The cost of CVD in the United States in 2005 is estimated at almost $400 billion. Identification and modification of risk factors, such as smoking, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight/obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes, are important in preventing heart disease and stroke. For people with CVD, recognition of the warning signs for heart attack or stroke can result in quicker treatment and thus lives saved.