Program and Feature News - American Heart Association

Thousands to be trained in Hands Only CPR at NFL Draft

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:47:00 GMT

PITTSBURGH, April 2, 2026 —When cardiac arrest strikes, immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival—yet more than half of people who collapse outside a hospital don’t receive it. To help close that gap, the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL), along with Damar Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation, will welcome thousands to the field at Acrisure Stadium to be trained in Hands‑Only CPR at the NFL Draft.

The Hands‑Only CPR training will take place Friday, April 24, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pa., during day two of the NFL Draft. The effort is designed to empower fans, families and communities with a simple, lifesaving skill they are most likely to use to help someone they know and love. Registration is free and open for participation: heart.org/NFLDraft.

“Every second matters when someone experiences cardiac arrest and knowing how to perform CPR can be the difference between life and death,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “By bringing thousands of people together at the NFL Draft, we’re teaming up with the league and Damar Hamlin to equip individuals with the confidence and skills to act when it matters most. This moment reflects our shared commitment to build healthier, safer communities everywhere.”

Participants will also join the Nation of Lifesavers™, a global movement launched by the American Heart Association in 2023 following the sudden cardiac arrest of NFL player Damar Hamlin during Monday Night Football™. Hamlin has used his experience to show the lifesaving difference bystander CPR can make through his collaboration with the Heart Association to offer CPR trainings across the country. Hamlin also officially serves as the National Ambassador for Nation of Lifesavers including leading an annual class of NFL player ambassadors. Since then, the American Heart Association and NFL have worked together to increase awareness of bystander CPR and expand access to CPR and AED education nationwide.

“As my experience with cardiac arrest has shown, CPR saves lives,” said Hamlin, Buffalo Bills Safety and National Ambassador for the Nation of Lifesavers. “Training in CPR during the NFL Draft Experience in my hometown of Pittsburgh is a full-circle moment for me, and I’m proud to see the NFL, the American Heart Association, and our community come together to build a life-saving legacy. It’s about bringing people together around a powerful message: be ready, because you never know when it could be your time to save a life. I also hope it encourages young people to stay active and reminds families to prioritize health, wellness, and life-saving skills like CPR.”

More than 90% of people who experience sudden cardiac arrest without immediate CPR do not survive, according to the American Heart Association. Yet learning Hands‑Only CPR takes as little as 90 seconds and requires no formal training, making large‑scale moments like this one a powerful step to improving survival rates.

Beyond the NFL Draft, the collaboration between the American Heart Association and the NFL continues year‑round. Through the NFL Foundation, each team receives CPR grants to help expand CPR training and automated external defibrillator (AED) access in local communities. Since 2023, grants have supported Hands‑Only CPR training, Heartsaver® CPR AED credentialing, and the placement of CPR in Schools Kits and CPR Youth Sports Kits. The American Heart Association has worked alongside more than half of NFL teams to educate players, staff, youth coaches and families, helping communities better prepare for cardiac emergencies where people live, work and play.

“Through our partnership with the American Heart Association, the NFL is committed to building safer, stronger communities by giving people the knowledge and confidence to act in a medical emergency,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL SVP of Social Responsibility. “We’re thrilled to stand alongside the American Heart Association and the Chasing M’s Foundation as we equip thousands of people with the skills to make a lifesaving difference.”

Hands‑Only CPR education is also a key component of NFL PLAY 60 youth health and wellness efforts, delivered in partnership with the American Heart Association through the Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™. Students and families learn how to recognize cardiac arrest, call 9‑1‑1 and take action by pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest—skills that can save lives at any age.

With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occurring in homes, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important. If a teen or adult collapses, witnesses should immediately call 9-1-1 emergency services and begin chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute and a depth of approximately two inches. Hands-Only CPR is chest compression-only CPR. Learn CPR today, visit www.heart.org/nation.

Additional Resources:

Video interview with expert, Annie Arens, M.D., CPR/AED photos, demos and infographic available here.
Bystander CPR | Bystander CPR Infographic (PDF)
Hands-Only CPR Resources
Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths
Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
Take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:

American Heart Association: Linzy Cotaya, linzy.cotaya@heart.org

National Football League: Ian Martin, Ian.Martin@nfl.com

Damar Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation: Kelley Denny, kdenny@ghadv.com

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

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New $20M effort aims to address critical gaps in care for people with single ventricle heart disease

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT

DALLAS, March 30, 2026 — The lifesaving surgery used to treat children with single ventricle heart disease, the Fontan procedure, can pose serious health complications throughout life. The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all and Additional Ventures, a research foundation working toward a cure for single ventricle heart disease, have committed a combined $20M to advance a coordinated, collaborative approach to improving the ability to predict, prevent and treat health complications in people living with Fontan circulation.

Single ventricle heart disease affects about 6 in 10,0000 babies born in the US each year[1]. These children are born with only one working heart pump and must rely on a surgically created circulation (the Fontan circulation) to reroute blood through the body. While lifesaving, this circulation places long-term strain on the body and can lead to progressive damage across multiple organs. Today, clinicians lack reliable ways to monitor Fontan health, making them unable to detect early signs of decline. As a result, many patients appear stable until they suddenly experience severe complications that can be fatal or severely impact quality of life.

The program will bring together clinicians, researchers and patients to generate scientific and clinical insights and develop tools to better guide care for people living with Fontan circulation. The program combines the strength of the American Heart Association’s research infrastructure, guideline development, data coordination and registry science with Additional Ventures’ leadership in single ventricle strategy, deep scientific expertise and unparalleled network across the single ventricle heart disease ecosystem.

“People with Fontan circulation often develop complications with other organs in the body including the liver, kidneys and lungs,” said Mariell Jessup, M.D., FAHA, chief medical and science officer of the American Heart Association. “The coordination between our two organizations will generate data and insight that can help patients and clinicians better monitor their health and intervene earlier.”

“While lifesaving, Fontan circulation creates complex, lifelong health challenges for single ventricle heart disease patients that we still do not fully understand,” said Kirstie Keller, PhD, chief executive officer of Additional Ventures. “Through this collaboration, we will work with researchers, clinicians and patients to generate the scientific insights and tools needed to predict, detect and manage complications earlier. By building these resources, we hope to enable a more proactive, science-informed approach to lifelong care for Fontan patients.

The six-year, multi-phase strategy begins with evaluating current approaches to monitoring Fontan circulation patients; identifying gaps in care, data and infrastructure; and engaging patients, clinicians and scientists in program design and implementation. Ultimately, the goal is to establish the scientific foundation and clinical tools needed to move the field from reactive care to proactive health monitoring of patients with Fontan circulation, creating the infrastructure for a future standard of care.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

About Additional Ventures

Additional Ventures is a research foundation committed to curing single ventricle heart disease through transformative research and strategic investments that revolutionize treatment and care. By combining deep scientific expertise with strategic, flexible funding, Additional Ventures supports bold, collaborative research across the translational pipeline. Since its founding in 2020, Additional Ventures has committed more than $110 million to single ventricle heart disease research. Learn more about our work and progress in our most recent Impact Report, at additionalventures.org, or by following us on LinkedIn.

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

American Heart Association: Erin Montie: erin.montie@heart.org

Additional Ventures Megan Freeland: mfreeland@additionalventures.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

[1] Prevalence, clinical presentation and natural history of patients with single ventricle - ScienceDirect

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Too much sitting is taking a toll on heart and brain health

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

DALLAS, March 30, 2026 — Too much sitting has quietly become one of the most common threats to heart health in the United States. Research shows that prolonged sedentary time is linked to higher risks of heart disease, stroke and poorer mental health, even among people who exercise. On National Walking Day, the American Heart Association the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all, is urging people to interrupt that cycle by moving more, starting with something as simple as a walk.

National Walking Day, celebrated Wednesday, April 1, offers an opportunity for communities across the country to step away from sedentary routines and make movement part of the day. Walking remains one of the most accessible ways to be physically active and can be adapted to fit different abilities, schedules and lifestyles.

“Many people think exercise only helps if it happens every day or for long periods of time,” said Eduardo Sanchez, MD, MPH, FAHA, chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association. “What matters most is how much you move over the course of a week. Walking, whether it happens in short bouts or longer stretches, can support heart health, reduce stress and improve overall well‑being.”

Research shows that accumulating at least 150 minutes of moderate‑intensity physical activity each week is associated with meaningful health benefits. Those minutes do not need to be spread evenly throughout the week. They can add up through daily walks, active weekends or a combination of both, offering flexibility for people with busy lives.

To make the most of National Walking Day and continue moving all month, consider these tips:

Invite friends, family members or coworkers to join you for a walk.
Take a walking meeting or break up long periods of sitting during the workday.
Walk your dog, explore a new route or take a stroll after dinner to unwind.
If walking is not accessible, try seated movement, gentle stretching or other activities that keep you moving safely.
Share your walk on social media using #NationalWalkingDay to inspire others.

Regular physical activity, including walking, is a key part of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8™, which outlines the most important behaviors for supporting optimal cardiovascular health. In addition to aerobic activity, the Association recommends muscle‑strengthening activities at least two days each week.

National Walking Day serves as a reminder that movement does not need to be complicated to matter. Every step, every break from sitting and every choice to move counts toward better heart and brain health.

For tips, tools and inspiration to help build healthier habits, visit the Association’s Healthy for Good™ initiative at heart.org/movemore.

Additional Resources:

Multimedia is available on the right column of the release link.
Spanish news release (to be added as available)
Healthy for Good Move More - Steps to building healthy habits
Fit in Walking Morning, Noon or Night
American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity
Follow American Heart Association/American Stroke Association news on X @HeartNews

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About the American Heart Association

For Media Inquiries:

Johnny Johnson; johnny.johnson@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

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Se otorgaron subvenciones a 33 escuelas secundarias y universidades para el entrenamiento de RCP y recursos comunitarios con el fin de hacer que los campus sean más seguros

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

DALLAS, 26 de marzo del 2026 — Según los datos de la American Heart Association (Asociación Americana del Corazón), 9 de cada 10 personas que sufren un paro cardíaco fuera de un hospital mueren, en parte porque más de la mitad de las veces no reciben reanimación cardiopulmonar (RCP) de inmediato. Con el fin de contribuir al cambio de esta situación, la American Heart Association, una fuerza incansable que está cambiando el futuro de la salud para todas las personas en todas partes, otorgó 32 subvenciones económicas del programa Nation of Lifesavers™ (Nación de Salvadores de Vidas) (sitio web en inglés) a los Heart Clubs (sitio web en inglés) de la American Heart Association de escuelas secundarias y universidades de 20 estados, incluido el Distrito de Columbia. Estas subvenciones facilitarán que los estudiantes y educadores de todo el país aprendan a realizar RCP y fortalecerán el movimiento nacional de la Asociación para duplicar las tasas de sobrevivencia tras un paro cardíaco para el 2030.

Los Heart Clubs de la American Heart Association son organizaciones dirigidas por estudiantes en escuelas secundarias y campus de universidades que empoderan a sus miembros para que dirijan actividades que promuevan el bienestar físico y mental, a la vez que generan un impacto significativo en sus comunidades. Se iniciaron en el año escolar correspondiente al período del 2024 al 2025 y, actualmente, hay más de 250 de estos grupos dirigidos por estudiantes en todo Estados Unidos. Los Heart Clubs de las siguientes escuelas recibirán subvenciones de la Nation of Lifesavers:

Universidades:

Universidad de Rhode Island en Kingston, Rhode Island
Universidad Washington and Lee en Lexington, Virginia
Universidad Howard en Washington D. C.
Universidad de Villanova en Radnor Township, Pensilvania
Universidad de Cornell en Ithaca, Nueva York
Universidad Case Western Reserve en Cleveland, Ohio
Universidad de Míchigan en Ann Arbor, Míchigan
Universidad de Purdue en West Lafayette, Indiana
Universidad de Fisk en Nashville, Tennessee
Spelman College en Atlanta, Georgia
Universidad de Tuskegee en Tuskegee, Alabama
Universidad Estatal de Grambling en Grambling, Luisiana
Universidad de Texas en Austin, Texas
Universidad Estatal de California, Fresno, en Fresno, California
Universidad Molloy en Rockville Centre, N.Y.

Escuelas secundarias:

Escuela secundaria regional de Hampshire en Westhampton, Massachusetts
Escuela secundaria Clara Barton para profesiones de la salud en Brooklyn, Nueva York
Escuela secundaria Locust Valley en Locust Valley, Nueva York
Escuela Ursulina en New Rochelle, Nueva York
Escuela secundaria Bayside en Virginia Beach, Virginia
Escuela secundaria George Washington en Charleston, Virginia Occidental
Escuela preparatoria Belen Jesuit en Miami, Florida
Escuela Samuel Wolfson de estudios avanzados en Jacksonville, Florida
Academia Alliance para la innovación en Cumming, Georgia
Escuela preparatoria Pope Saint John Paul II en Hendersonville, Tennessee
Escuela secundaria Pflugerville en Pflugerville, Texas
Escuela secundaria de educación temprana TCC SE Mansfield ISD en Timberview, Arlington, Texas
Escuela secundaria sénior Davis en Davis, California
Escuela secundaria Mt. Carmel en San Diego, California
Escuela secundaria Newark Memorial en Newark, California
Escuela secundaria Ruben S. Ayala en Chino Hills, California
Escuela secundaria Vanden en Fairfield, California
Academia técnica y profesional West en Las Vegas, Nevada

“Cuando el corazón de mi hijo se detuvo, sus entrenadores sabían exactamente qué hacer y actuaron de inmediato. Pero no todo el mundo tiene esa suerte”, afirmó Pia Scarfo Allocca, madre de Francesco Allocca, quien sufrió un paro cardíaco súbito durante las pruebas de selección del equipo de baloncesto de la escuela secundaria Locust Valley en Long Island, Nueva York, en noviembre del 2025. “Una vez que las personas notaron lo que estaba sucediendo, su entrenamiento les permitió actuar. Alguien comenzó con las compresiones y otro fue a buscar el DEA. Mi hijo está vivo gracias a que su escuela contaba con la preparación necesaria”.

“La preparación debe ser la norma, no la excepción”, expresó la Dra. Stacey E. Rosen, FAHA, presidenta voluntaria de la American Heart Association y vicepresidenta sénior de

salud de la mujer y directora ejecutiva de Katz Institute for Women’s Health de Northwell Health en la ciudad de Nueva York. “Estas subvenciones del Heart Club apoyarán a los estudiantes voluntarios y a los docentes defensores de todo el país que trabajan para salvar vidas a través del entrenamiento de RCP y la educación”.

En el caso de las universidades, las subvenciones de la Nation of Lifesavers incluyen financiamiento para dos kits de RCP en las escuelas (sitio web en inglés), que cuentan con maniquíes y materiales de entrenamiento, además de $500 para facilitar el entrenamiento de RCP en el campus universitario. Estas subvenciones les brindan a los líderes de Heart Club todo lo que necesitan para promover las habilidades de RCP, que pueden salvar vidas, entre los estudiantes y el personal docente.

En el caso de las escuelas secundarias, las subvenciones proporcionarán financiamiento para crear entornos escolares más seguros mediante los fondos para desarrollar un plan de respuesta a emergencias cardíacas (sitio web en inglés) para cada escuela, impartir entrenamiento acreditado en RCP, primeros auxilios y uso de desfibriladores externos automáticos (DEA) a los estudiantes y al personal docente, concientizar sobre la RCP mediante kits escolares y apoyar políticas públicas que hagan que las escuelas sean más seguras.

La American Heart Association es líder mundial en ciencia, educación y entrenamiento para la reanimación, y publica las directrices científicas oficiales sobre la RCP. Las últimas directrices clínicas sobre la RCP se publicaron el 22 de octubre del 2025 en la revista profesional insignia de la Asociación, Circulation (sitio web en inglés).

La iniciativa Nation of Lifesavers de la Asociación se compromete a convertir a una nación de testigos presenciales en salvadores de vidas. El objetivo a largo plazo es garantizar que, ante una emergencia cardíaca, cualquier persona en cualquier lugar esté preparada y capacitada para realizar la RCP y convertirse en un eslabón fundamental de la cadena de supervivencia. Únase a la Nation of Lifesavers aprendiendo a realizar RCP. Walgreens (sitio web en inglés) se enorgullece de ser el patrocinador nacional de Nation of Lifesavers.

Recursos adicionales:

Los recursos multimedia disponibles se encuentran en la columna derecha del vínculo de la publicación.
Comunicado de prensa en inglés.
Aspectos destacados de las directrices de RCP del 2025 (sitio web en inglés)
Visite heart.org/nation (sitio web en inglés) para aprender RCP
RCP por parte de un testigo presencial | Infografía sobre la RCP por parte de un testigo presencial (PDF) (sitio web en inglés)
Recursos de RCP solo con las manos (sitio web en inglés)
RCP solo con las manos frente a RCP con ventilaciones (sitio web en inglés)
Las mujeres y la RCP (sitio web en inglés)
Paro cardíaco frente a ataque cardíaco (sitio web en inglés)
Reducción de las disparidades en el paro cardíaco extrahospitalario – Kit de herramientas comunitarias: versiones disponibles en inglés (sitio web en inglés) y español
Tómese 90 segundos para aprender a salvar una vida en www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR (sitio web en inglés)

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Acerca de la American Heart Association

La American Heart Association es una fuerza incansable para un mundo de vidas más largas y saludables. La organización ha sido una fuente líder de información sobre salud durante más de cien años y su objetivo es garantizar la equidad en la salud en todas las comunidades. Con el apoyo de más de 35 millones de voluntarios en todo el mundo, financiamos investigaciones vanguardistas, defendemos la salud pública y proporcionamos recursos fundamentales para salvar y mejorar vidas afectadas por enfermedades cardiovasculares y ataques o derrames cerebrales. Trabajamos incansablemente para hacer avanzar la salud y transformar vidas cada día mediante el impulso de avances y la implementación de soluciones comprobadas en las áreas de ciencia, políticas y cuidados. Comuníquese con nosotros en heart.org (sitio web en inglés), Facebook o X, o llame al 1-800-AHA-USA1.

Para consultas de los medios de comunicación: 214-706-1173

Libby.Ridenhour@Heart.org

Para consultas públicas: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org (sitio web en inglés) y derramecerebral.org

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33 high schools, colleges awarded grants for CPR training and community resources to make campuses safer

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

DALLAS, March 26, 2026 — According to American Heart Association data, 9 out of every 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, in part because they do not receive immediate CPR more than half of the time. To help change this, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has awarded 32 Nation of Lifesaver™ financial grants to American Heart Association Heart Clubs at high schools and colleges in 20 states, including the District of Columbia. These grants will make it easier for students and educators across the country to learn CPR and strengthen the Association’s nationwide movement to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030.

American Heart Association Heart Clubs are student-led organizations on high school and college campuses, empowering members to lead activities that support physical and mental well-being while making a meaningful impact in their communities. Started in the 2024-2025 school year, there are now more than 250 of these student-led groups across the U.S. Heart Clubs at the following schools will receive Nation of Lifesavers grants:

Colleges:

University of Rhode Island, in Kingston, R.I.
Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va.
Howard University in Washington D.C.
Villanova University in Radnor Township, Pa.
Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.
Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio
University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.
Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn.
Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga.
Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Ala.
Grambling State University in Grambling, La.
The University of Texas at Austin in Austin, Texas
California State University, Fresno in Fresno, Ca.
Molloy University, Rockville Centre, N.Y.

High Schools:

Hampshire Regional High School in Westhampton, Mass.
Clara Barton High School for Health Professions in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Locust Valley High School in Locust Valley, N.Y.
The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, N.Y.
Bayside High School in Virginia Beach, Va.
George Washington High School in Charleston, W. Va.
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in Miami, Fla.
Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies in Jacksonville, Fla.
Alliance Academy for Innovation in Cumming, Ga.
Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School in Hendersonville, Tenn.
Pflugerville High School in Pflugerville, Texas
TCC SE Mansfield ISD Early College High School at Timberview in Arlington, Texas
Davis Senior High School in Davis, Calif.
Mt. Carmel High School in San Diego, Calif.
Newark Memorial High School in Newark, Calif.
Ruben S. Ayala High School in Chino Hills, Calif.
Vanden High School in Fairfield, Calif.
West Career and Technical Academy in Las Vegas, Nev.

“When my son’s heart stopped, his coaches knew exactly what to do and jumped into action. But not everyone is that lucky,” said Pia Scarfo Allocca, mother of Francesco Allocca who experienced sudden cardiac arrest at tryouts for the Locust Valley High School basketball team, in Long Island, New York in November, 2025. “Once people knew what was happening, their training kicked in. Someone started compressions. Someone grabbed the AED. My son is alive because his school was prepared.”

“Preparation should be the norm, not the exception,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and senior vice president of women’s health and executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health of Northwell Health in New York City. “These Heart Club grants will support the student volunteers and teacher advocates across this country working to save lives through CPR training and education.”

For colleges, the Nation of Lifesaver grants include funding for two CPR in Schools Kits, complete with manikins and training materials, and $500 to facilitate CPR training on their college campus. These grants give Heart Club leaders everything they need to promote the lifesaving skill of CPR to students and faculty.

For high schools, the grants will provide funding to help create safer school environments, by providing funding to develop a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan for their individual school, provide card-credentialed CPR First Aid AED training for students and faculty, raise awareness with CPR in Schools Kits, and advocate for public policies that make schools safer.

The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education and training, and publishes the official scientific guidelines for CPR. The latest CPR clinical guidelines were published October 22, 2025 in the Association’s flagship journal, Circulation.

The Association’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative is committed to turning a nation of bystanders into lifesavers. The long-term goal: to ensure that in the face of a cardiac emergency, anyone, anywhere, is prepared and empowered to perform CPR and become a vital link in the chain of survival. Join the Nation of Lifesavers by learning CPR. Walgreens is a proud national sponsor of Nation of Lifesavers.

Additional Resources:

Multimedia is available on the right column of this release link.
Spanish news release
2025 CPR Guidelines Highlights
Visit heart.org/nation to learn CPR.
Bystander CPR | Bystander CPR Infographic (PDF)
Hands-Only CPR Resources
Hands-Only CPR vs CPR with Breaths
Women and CPR
Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
Reducing Disparities for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest – Community Toolkit: English and Spanish versions available
Take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.

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About the American Heart Association

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Libby.Ridenhour@Heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

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Inaugural Health Care by Food research award honors excellence in food is medicine science

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:04:00 GMT

DALLAS, March 23, 2026 — At a time when American dietary patterns are facing renewed attention, the American Heart Association has announced its inaugural Health Care by Food™ Most Impactful Food Is Medicine Research Award, honoring the year’s most meritorious scientific study exploring effective ways to integrate healthy food into clinical care to address the growing prevalence and cost of cardiovascular disease and other diet‑related chronic diseases.

The inaugural award recognizes the research team behind “Pilot study of a heart‑healthy food box intervention for Native Americans with uncontrolled hypertension: methods and results from the Chickasaw Healthy Eating Environments Research Study.” This study was funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health and was co-led by Principal Investigator Valarie Blue Bird Jernigan, DrPH, MPH, and Tribal Principal Investigator Joy Standridge, MPH, RDN/LD, from the Chickasaw Nation. The study provides compelling evidence that culturally tailored, heart‑healthy food box interventions – developed in partnership with tribal communities – are feasible and show promise for improving systolic blood pressure, diet quality and food security among Native American adults living with uncontrolled hypertension. The study highlights the potential of food bank–tribal partnerships as a strategy to reduce cardiometabolic disparities in communities facing longstanding barriers to healthy food access.

The award was presented to Tori Taniguchi, MPH, the study’s lead author and director of data and research at the Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa, OK. Taniguchi accepted the award on behalf of her research team at the Heart Association’s EPI | Lifestyle Scientific Sessions, the premier event for epidemiology, lifestyle and cardiovascular disease prevention. At the conference, held last week in Boston, the Heart Association spotlighted Health Care by Food and the initiative’s focus on emerging food is medicine research, implementation science and clinical innovation.

“This award reflects the American Heart Association’s commitment to advancing rigorous food is medicine science that addresses health disparities and improves outcomes for patients at highest risk,” said Kevin Volpp, M.D., Ph.D., Health Care by Food research lead and the Mark V Pauly Professor at the Perelman School of Medicine and the Wharton School and Director of the Penn Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, University of Pennsylvania. “By recognizing exemplary research, the Heart Association aims to accelerate clinical adoption, support policy pathways and expand access to nutritious food as a component of health care.”

The award recognizes innovative science that informs the development of food-is-medicine interventions – including medically tailored meals, medically tailored groceries and produce prescriptions – that integrate healthy food into the health care of people managing, treating or preventing chronic disease. The initiative’s goal is to identify interventions that are both clinically effective and cost effective.

“Our study contributes important new evidence demonstrating how culturally grounded, community-led nutrition interventions can support better blood pressure control and overall cardiometabolic health,” Taniguchi said. “We hope our findings will lead to further study of how incorporating healthy food into health care can improve health and help prevent chronic disease.”

"The study team represents a collaboration among the Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa, OK; the Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health at Washington State University in Seattle, WA; Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington DC; Chickasaw Nation Nutrition Services in Ada, OK; and the University of Washington in Seattle, WA."

“Unhealthy diets are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and many other chronic diseases,” said American Heart Association Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown. “By advancing the field of food is medicine, we are discovering effective approaches that leverage the power of healthy food to help treat, manage and prevent chronic disease.”

The American Heart Association projects that more than 6 in 10 (61%) U.S. adults will have some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050 – up from about half of all adults currently. The Heart Association also estimates that over the next 25 years, the number of women living with cardiovascular disease is expected to rise sharply, to nearly 60% of women in the U.S.

The Health Care by Food initiative, which was launched in 2023 with foundational support from The Rockefeller Foundation, was created to address startling statistics like these. The initiative has funded 23 early-stage clinical research studies focused on identifying effective food-is-medicine interventions that improve health by incorporating healthy food into the care of people with or at risk for chronic disease. The initiative also is supporting public policies that help advance scientific research and educating health care professionals about the potential of food is medicine to improve public health.

Additional resources:

About the American Heart Association

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For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173; AHACommunications@heart.org

Steve Weiss: steve.weiss@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

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Nationwide effort targets diagnosis delays, care gaps for a life threatening heart disease

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:35:00 GMT

DALLAS, March 23, 2026 — Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, or ATTR‑CM, is a serious and often underdiagnosed condition caused by abnormal protein buildup that prevents the left ventricle from relaxing and filling properly, impairing the heart’s ability to pump blood. When left untreated, the disease can lead to heart failure and significantly shorten life expectancy.

To overcome gaps in how this condition is identified and treated, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has launched a nationwide effort to strengthen the system of care for people living with ATTR-CM. The quality improvement initiative, financially supported by Alnylam, is designed to improve early diagnosis and coordination of care, ultimately enhancing the patient experience.

Early recognition and diagnosis of ATTR-CM is critical, as timely care gives patients access to treatments that can extend survival, preserve physical function and maintain quality of life. As awareness of ATTR-CM grows and treatment options continue to advance, patients increasingly need coordinated, specialist-led care. However, building and sustaining these multidisciplinary systems remains challenging for many health care centers.

“ATTR-CM is a life-threatening condition that is too often recognized late, when current disease modifying therapy is less effective,” said Mat Maurer, M.D., volunteer member of the American Heart Association’s ATTR Amyloidosis Strategic Advisory Group and professor of medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City. “By bringing multidisciplinary teams together to examine the full patient journey — from diagnosis through long-term management — this new initiative is helping identify practical, scalable approaches that can support earlier recognition, more coordinated care and better outcomes for people living with this disease.”

The three-year effort brings together a cohort of 10 multidisciplinary health care teams from across the country in a learning collaborative designed to better understand and improve ATTR-CM care pathways. The initiative focuses on the full patient journey — from diagnosis and referral through treatment and follow-up — with the goal of identifying successful, replicable models of care that can drive change nationwide.

Through shared learning and collaboration, participating sites will work to gain insights into current ATTR-CM practice pathways and amplify approaches that improve coordination of care, support earlier identification and strengthen long-term management for people living with ATTR-CM. By uncovering gaps in care and uniting experts across medical specialties, the initiative aims to help build a more integrated system that improves outcomes for patients nationwide.

“As awareness of ATTR-CM grows and treatment options continue to advance, it is essential that patients have access to well-coordinated, specialist-led care,” said Sameer Bansilal, M.D., M.S., cardiologist and vice president, Global TTR Medical lead, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. “We are proud to support the American Heart Association’s new ATTR-CM initiative and its focus on understanding gaps in care, sharing successful models and strengthening systems that can improve the experience and outcomes for people affected by this devastating disease.”

For more information about the ATTR-CM initiative and to see a list of participating health care centers, visit heart.org/ATTRCMDiscovery.

Additional Resources:

Multimedia is available on the right column of the release link.
American Heart Association Support Network | Cardiomyopathy
Transthyretin Amyloidosis (ATTR) for Professionals - Professional Heart Daily
Extra-Cardiac Clues to Amyloidosis | Professional Education Hub
Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews

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About the American Heart Association

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Michelle Rosenfeld: michelle.rosenfeld@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

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New poll: American Heart Association most trusted public health source after personal physician

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:45:00 GMT

DALLAS, March 6, 2026 — At time when trust in health information is at unprecedented risk, the American Heart Association today welcomed new findings from the independent Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) at the University of Pennsylvania suggesting that Americans consider the Association the most trusted source of public health information after their personal physician. According to the APPC poll, more than 8 in 10 (82%) U.S. adults say they are confident in the American Heart Association to provide trustworthy information related to public health.

Per the APPC’s news release, Americans place their highest confidence in their personal health care providers, with 86% reporting trust in their own doctor, nurse or primary health care professional to deliver reliable health information. Immediately following personal clinicians, the public expresses strong trust in major professional health and science organizations—including the American Heart Association—affirming the essential role these evidence‑driven associations play in supporting informed health decisions.

“Public trust in the American Heart Association is earned —one rigorous study, one transparent guideline and one lifesaving action at a time,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “We are grateful that the Annenberg survey reflects continued strong confidence in public health organizations like ours that remained grounded in science. That trust is never taken for granted and is earned every day by our volunteer scientists, clinicians and leaders who, along with our dedicated professional staff, community volunteers and our donors, uphold the highest standards of evidence and integrity. We are also grateful for our many collaborators who share a desire to overcome health misinformation and work with us every day on behalf of everyone everywhere to educate Americans and ultimately improve heart and brain health for all.”

For more than a century, the Association has advanced science that informs the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and translated that evidence into clear, actionable guidance for the public, patients, clinicians and policymakers. The APPC findings underscore the ongoing importance of independent, science-driven organizations in a challenging information environment.

The Annenberg Public Policy Center poll released on March 6, was conducted Feb. 3 through 17, 2026 among a nationally representative sample of 1,650 adults. It has a margin of error of 3.5 points. The American Heart Association was not involved in the poll, its design or analysis.

Reference: Annenberg Public Policy Center, “Stark Divide: Americans More Confident in Career Scientists at U.S. Health Agencies Than Leaders,” March 5, 2026.

Additional Resources:

Multimedia is available on the right column of release link
Follow American Heart Association/American Stroke Association news on X @HeartNews

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About the American Heart Association

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173 or ahacommunications@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

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Resuscitation science, training and technology leaders launch new self-guided resuscitation learning model nationwide

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT

DALLAS, March 4, 2026 — Millions of people in health care, workplace safety and emergency response roles globally are required to complete credentialed resuscitation training on a recurring basis, often while balancing demanding schedules and limited access to in-person instruction. To address these challenges, the American Heart Association (Association), the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all, and Laerdal Medical (Laerdal), one of the world leaders in medical simulation, health care education and resuscitation training, today announced the nationwide launch of Self-Guided Learning™, a flexible, science-based resuscitation training delivery model that enables learners to complete HeartCode® Complete required coursework and skills verification on their own schedule.

The Association is the first and only U.S. training organization directly involved in the creation of resuscitation scientific guidelines and education, leading the development of the official guidelines used by all other CPR and First Aid training providers in the U.S., as well as by many organizations in more than 90 additional countries. Laerdal, using immersive technologies and data-centric insights to help improve survival and health care quality, has collaborated with the Association to develop and bring resuscitation education and training to the health care market and local communities for more than 20 years.

Self-Guided Learning is an independent training delivery option, allowing learners to complete HeartCode Complete Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) courses at a time and location that fits their schedule. HeartCode Complete is comprised of a self-paced, online activity that can be completed using any compatible device and a hands-on, self-guided skills session, which is taken at a CPR Verification Station™ learning center. The station verifies skills using advanced simulation technology to provide real-time, audiovisual, objective feedback and coaching without instructor oversight.

This new Self-Guided Learning delivery model expands the Association’s global CPR training footprint, currently encompassing instructor-led, blended learning and a digital CPR training solution that verifies competence every 90 days. Each training method offers BLS, ACLS and PALS courses, with learners receiving an American Heart Association Course Completion eCard upon successful completion of all required activities and sessions.

“By expanding training options across the full spectrum, from instructor-led to self-guided learning, we are removing barriers to access while maintaining the science, skills validation and standards the American Heart Association is known for,” said John Meiners, chief of Mission Aligned Businesses for the American Heart Association. “Self-Guided Learning is an important part of that approach, helping prepare more people to act when lives are on the line and bringing us closer to our goal of doubling cardiac arrest survival by 2030.”

As of March 2026, Self-Guided Learning and CPR Verification Station learning centers are currently available in 47 states, with expansion soon to all 50, and can be easily located using CPR Finder™. Students enter their ZIP code to view available learning centers in their area and are then directed to the website of a corresponding Premier Distributor for steps and instructions to complete their course requirements.

“Self-Guided Learning provides people who need BLS, ACLS and PALS training and prefer independent learning an easily accessible, effective and ideal training option to fit their schedule,” said Alf-Christian Dybdahl, chief executive officer of Laerdal Medical. “This delivery model represents another significant milestone in our organizations’ shared mission and collaboration to transform how CPR is taught and learned.”

Self-Guided Learning is ideal for the following audiences:

health care professionals and students seeking flexible training options and who prefer self-paced, independent learning;
allied health care providers;
remote and rural health care and workplace staff;
emergency medical services’ professionals; and
initial or renewal learners requiring an American Heart Association Course Completion eCard.

Additional Resources:

Multimedia is available on the right column of release link.
For additional information about Self-Guided Learning, visit CPRFinder.com.
To learn more about the Association’s CPR Instructor-led and blended training options and find available courses, visit cpr.heart.org.
Visit rqipartners.com, the partnership between and service provider for the Association and Laerdal, for information on digital CPR training programs.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by millions of volunteers, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health and provide resources to save and improve lives affected by heart disease and stroke. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

About Laerdal Medical

Laerdal is dedicated to our mission of helping save lives. Laerdal Medical is a world leader in healthcare education and resuscitation training that uses immersive technologies and data-centric insights to increase survival and improve healthcare quality. Improving the quality of care is part of our mission, to help save more lives. And we have established the goal to help save one million more lives. Every year. By 2030. However, we can’t do this alone. This is a shared goal of the Laerdal Group. A group of companies that develops healthcare-related solutions and programs focused on a common mission to help save lives, together with our Partners. Laerdal is a global company in 30+ countries worldwide with its head office located in Stavanger, Norway. For more information, visit www.laerdal.com.

Media Inquiries:

American Heart Association: Sarah D. Williams; 214-706-1156; sarah.d.williams@heart.org

Laerdal Medical: Inger Johanne Stenberg; 479-059-5829; inger.johanne.stenberg@laerdal.com

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

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SPOILER ALERT: What is preeclampsia? Condition killed Shailene Woodley’s character on Paradise

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 22:30:00 GMT

DALLAS, March 3, 2026 — Viewers of Hulu’s Emmy-, Golden Globe- and Actor-award nominated show “Paradise” were shocked and saddened by the death of Shailene Woodley’s character, Annie, on Monday night. Woodley’s character, a former medical student pregnant with her first child, suffered from preeclampsia, new-onset high blood pressure that happens during pregnancy.

Throughout her pregnancy, viewers watched as Annie regularly took her blood pressure. Her daily blood pressure readings were high, suggesting she may have preeclampsia. In last night’s episode, Annie and Xaiver, played by Sterling K. Brown, travel to Atlanta to find Xaiver’s wife when Annie goes into labor. Although the baby is successfully delivered, Annie dies shortly after giving birth.

According to the CDC, preeclampsia is estimated to occur in 5 to 7% of all pregnancies.[1] While most women with preeclampsia deliver healthy babies and fully recover, preeclampsia can be life-threatening to the mother and baby.

What is preeclampsia?

According to the American Heart Association, preeclampsia is new-onset high blood pressure that happens during pregnancy. It usually starts after the 20th week of pregnancy. Preeclampsia is defined as a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher on two recordings at least four hours apart. Other signs of preeclampsia include high levels of protein in the urine or other signs of organ damage.

What are the signs or symptoms of preeclampsia?

Some women don’t notice any symptoms. When they do happen, symptoms may include:

Headaches with unknown cause that don’t go away with medication
Vision changes
Upper abdominal pain
Nausea and/or vomiting
Shortness of breath
Rapid swelling (edema), especially of the feet

Reducing preeclampsia risk

Currently, there is no test being used regularly in the U.S. to predict preeclampsia. The mother and baby are monitored at their regular prenatal visits.

There is no proven way to prevent gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. But, women at risk of developing preeclampsia can lower their risk by taking low-dose aspirin during pregnancy. Women should ask their health care professional if aspirin is appropriate.

For a healthy pregnancy, women should:

Get early and regular medical care.
Check their blood pressure at home if told to.
Eat a heart-healthy diet.
Get regular physical activity.

Women with preeclampsia are more likely to develop high blood pressure, neurologic problems and diabetes later in life. It also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, research shows.

How is preeclampsia treated?

Preeclampsia treatment depends on a few factors. These include the overall health of the mother and the condition’s progress.

Medications including beta-blockers (such as labetalol) or calcium channel blockers (nifedipine) are often used to lower blood pressure.

To prevent the risk of severe health issues for the mother, the baby may need to be born early. If the mother has severe symptoms and is at least 34 weeks pregnant, experts recommend delivering the baby as soon as it is safe. If the pregnancy is less than 34 weeks, medication might be given to help the baby grow and be better prepared for an early delivery. If the mother’s condition is not severe, delivery at 37 weeks is recommended. Preeclampsia signs and symptoms may continue after delivery but usually disappear within six weeks.

Find resources to support women’s heart health at every age, through every stage of life at GoRedforWomen.org.

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About the American Heart Association

About Go Red for Women®

The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).

For Media Inquiries 214-706-1173:

Julia Kersey: julia.kersey@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

[1] https://blogs.cdc.gov/genomics/2022/10/25/preeclampsia/

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Los estudiantes universitarios de todo el país recibieron formación para evitar la muerte súbita de origen cardíaco

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

DALLAS, 25 de febrero del 2026 — Según la American Heart Association (Asociación Americana del Corazón), la miocardiopatía hipertrófica (MCH) es la principal causa de muerte súbita de origen cardíaco (MSC) en atletas jóvenes y muchas veces pasa desapercibida. Para ayudar a abordar este desafío, la Asociación amplió sus esfuerzos de formación en salud cardíaca y entrenamiento de RCP solo con las manos a través de una campaña nacional de varios años centrada en estudiantes y familias de facultades y universidades históricamente negras (HBCU, por sus siglas en inglés) e instituciones que prestan servicios a los hispanos (HSI, por sus siglas en inglés) en todo el país. La iniciativa también amplificó cada año la información en torno al Día de la Concientización sobre la MCH, que se conmemora el último miércoles de febrero. La campaña de tres años concluyó hoy en el Día de la Concientización sobre la MCH del 2026.

Según la American Heart Association (sitio web en inglés), la principal organización sin fines de lucro del mundo centrada en cambiar el futuro de la salud para todos, la muerte súbita de origen cardíaco afecta desproporcionadamente a los atletas de raza negra y se vincula con mayor frecuencia a deportes competitivos que implican movimientos repentinos, como el fútbol o el baloncesto. Se estima que 1 de cada 500 personas vive con MCH, aunque un porcentaje significativo de esos casos sigue sin diagnosticarse. Esto demuestra la necesidad de formación intencional en relación con la salud cardíaca.

Dado que la MCH puede producir un paro cardíaco súbito sin previo aviso, especialmente durante la actividad física, saber responder en los primeros momentos de una emergencia puede marcar la diferencia entre la vida y la muerte. A lo largo de la campaña, la formación en MCH se combinó intencionadamente con el entrenamiento de RCP solo con las manos (sitio web en inglés) para reforzar la preparación ante emergencias cardíacas súbitas. Cientos de estudiantes, atletas y miembros de la comunidad recibieron demostraciones prácticas de RCP, lo que promueve el movimiento Nation of Lifesavers™ (Nación de Salvadores de Vidas) (sitio web en inglés) de la Asociación y ayuda a que los jóvenes cuenten con habilidades que puedan duplicar o triplicar las tasas de sobrevivencia cuando se produce un paro cardíaco.

La parte central de la campaña incluía una estrategia de anuncio de servicio público (PSA, por sus siglas en inglés), que abarcaba PSA radiales en inglés (sitio web en inglés) y en español, además de demostraciones de RCP en el campus. Los mensajes reforzaron la importancia de los antecedentes cardíacos familiares, la detección temprana y la formación en RCP, especialmente para los estudiantes atletas y sus familias.

Para ampliar el alcance y la credibilidad, la Asociación también colaboró con plataformas de medios para personas de raza negra y multiculturales. Se realizó una integración de contenido nacional seleccionado por “Check In & Check Up” (Consultas y chequeos) de Sybil Wilkes (sitio web en inglés) con el Simposio sobre el Estado de la Salud en Personas de Raza Negra: Salud Pública y Medios de Comunicación (sitio web en inglés) en el National Press Club en Washington D. C., en toda la plataforma Black America Web, que llega a más de un millón de visitantes únicos al mes. Las publicaciones de contenido nacional adicionales relacionadas con el Día de la Concientización sobre la MCH y la Semana de Concientización sobre la RCP (conmemorada del 1 al 7 de junio) dieron lugar a miles de asignaciones y cientos de millones de impresiones.

“Cuando los estudiantes, los entrenadores y las familias comprenden tanto los riesgos de la miocardiopatía hipertrófica como la forma de responder inmediatamente ante un paro cardíaco súbito, creamos un entorno en el que la prevención y la preparación van de la mano”, mencionó Matthew Martinez, M.D., FAHA, FACC, experto médico voluntario de la American Heart Association y coautor de la Guía para el Manejo de la Miocardiopatía Hipertrófica del 2024 de la American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology.

“Mediante la combinación de la formación en MCH basada en la evidencia con el entrenamiento de RCP solo con las manos, esta campaña transforma la conciencia en acciones que salvan vidas”, afirmó Martínez, profesor asociado de medicina, director de Cardiología del Deporte y director del Programa de Miocardiopatía Hipertrófica del Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center en Morristown, Nueva Jersey. “La participación con respuesta cultural y centrada en el campus, particularmente en las comunidades atléticas de HBCU y HSI, garantiza que los atletas jóvenes no solo estén informados sobre su salud cardíaca, sino que también se sientan seguros y preparados para intervenir y ayudar a salvar una vida”.

La campaña también cobró vida en los campus y en las principales reuniones atléticas y de liderazgo en todo el país. A través de la formación interactiva en MCH, demostraciones de RCP solo con las manos y mensajes culturalmente relevantes, la Asociación involucró a estudiantes atletas y familias en los encuentros de HBCU y partidos competitivos en la Universidad de Hampton, la Universidad Estatal de Norfolk, la Universidad Howard y la Universidad Xavier de Louisiana y en el torneo de baloncesto de la Conferencia Atlética de Oriente Medio. Se brindó información adicional en conferencias como la Conferencia de Liderazgo de United Negro College Fund (sitio web en inglés) y la Cumbre y Presentación de la Experiencia Estudiantil de Hispanic Educational Technology Services (sitio web en inglés) en Puerto Rico, que llegaron a estudiantes de instituciones que brindan servicios a los hispanos y escuelas secundarias de toda la isla.

La American Heart Association fortaleció las relaciones con conferencias atléticas, líderes universitarios y organizaciones estudiantiles, al tiempo que amplió su Heart Club (Club del Corazón) (sitio web en inglés), la organización de campus dirigida por estudiantes de la Asociación, para capacitar a los estudiantes como embajadores de salud cardíaca en sus campus. La campaña de MCH demostró cómo un compromiso sostenido y culturalmente relevante alineado con los momentos de concientización y los socios de confianza puede impulsar el impacto nacional. Al centrar a las comunidades afectadas de forma desproporcionada por la muerte súbita de origen cardíaco y las enfermedades cardiovasculares, la American Heart Association continúa avanzando en la equidad en salud mientras ayuda a salvar vidas mediante la información y la acción.

La concientización y la formación relacionadas con la MCH de la American Heart Association en atletas fue posible, en parte, gracias a una subvención financiera de Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation.

Recursos adicionales: 

Comunicado de prensa en inglés
¿Qué es la MCH? (sitio web en inglés)
MCH en adultos jóvenes y estudiantes atletas (sitio web en inglés)
RCP por parte de un testigo presencial | Infografía de RCP por parte de un testigo presencial (sitio web en inglés) (PDF) 
Recursos sobre RCP solo con las manos (sitio web en inglés)
RCP solo con las manos frente a RCP con ventilaciones (sitio web en inglés)
Las mujeres y la RCP (sitio web en inglés)
Paro cardíaco frente a infarto al miocardio (sitio web en inglés)
Reducción de las disparidades en el paro cardíaco extrahospitalario – Kit de herramientas comunitarias: versiones disponibles en inglés (sitio web en inglés) y español
Tómese 90 segundos para aprender a salvar una vida en www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR (sitio web en inglés)

Para obtener más información sobre la miocardiopatía hipertrófica y recursos para estudiantes, atletas y familias, visite heart.org/HCMStudentAthlete (sitio web en inglés).

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Acerca de la American Heart Association

Para consultas de los medios de comunicación: 214-706-1173

Devin T. Jones: Devin.Jones@Heart.org
Para consultas públicas: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org (sitio web en inglés) y derramecerebral.org

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Data shows continuing need to expand CPR education and training in Black communities

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:00:00 GMT

DALLAS, Feb. 23, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and despite progress in reducing heart disease and stroke nationwide, generations of structural barriers have left many Black communities facing a higher burden of cardiac arrest, high blood pressure, heart failure and stroke. [1] These disparities contribute to higher death rates and lower survival during cardiac emergencies, according to the American Heart Association.

For American Heart Month and Black History Month in February, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all, is calling for renewed action to close these gaps through expanded CPR education and advocacy. “You Are the First Responder Until Help Arrives,” underscores a truth we can all act on today: when an emergency strikes, the first actions taken by family, friends, co-workers and bystanders can make all the difference.

Data from the Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update highlights the persistent burden of disproportions for the Black population:[2]

Nearly 6 in 10 Black adults aged 20 and older live with some form of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, stroke or hypertension.
Stroke prevalence remains highest among Black women and men.
Black adults experience some of the highest hypertension rates in the world, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney disease.
Black adults account for more than half of heart failure hospitalizations among Americans under age 50.

“The science is clear: Black communities continue to face disproportionate risks of heart disease and stroke,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and senior vice president of women’s health at Northwell Health in New York City. “But data alone won’t drive change. Progress happens when we work hand in hand with communities to address root causes, expand access to care and ensure more people are prepared to save a life when every second counts.”

Everyone has a role to play. This month, the Association is bringing that message to living rooms, congregations, classrooms and neighborhood gathering places through culturally responsive outreach and training. Individuals can join the Nation of Lifesavers™ by watching a 90-second Hands-Only CPR video, practicing the two key steps and looking for the nearest AED in the places you live, learn, work and pray. Help ensure more people are prepared to act as the first responder until professional help arrives.

Closing the gap in cardiovascular health requires both lifesaving readiness and long-term solutions. With volunteers, clinicians, faith leaders and local organizations, the Association collaborates to develop culturally relevant solutions including initiatives such as the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™, the Heart of Innovation HBCU Challenge, the American Heart Association Scholars Program, Well-Being Works Better™ and the Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund, which supports community-based organizations advancing equitable health for all. These efforts build on programs that channel resources to local changemakers and create sustainable impact across neighborhoods.

As the American Heart Association celebrates Black History Month, it is also recognizing Black innovators who are advancing cardiovascular health today. Among those the organization is spotlighting are Fredrick Robinson, founder of the Black Heart Association, a nonprofit empowering communities to take charge of their health through education and health screenings; Kwamane Liddell, a nurse and lawyer who founded ThriveLink, a health technology platform that makes preventive care resources accessible to everyone; and William “BJ” Hicks, the American Heart Association's 2025 Physician of the Year, a neurologist specializing in stroke treatment, prevention and research bringing mobile stroke care to his hometown in Columbus, Ohio. Their stories reflect a shared belief: when communities are trusted, resourced and seen, healthier futures follow. “In a cardiac emergency, the first few minutes belong to the people nearby, not the hospital,” said Dr. Hicks. “Black Americans are more likely to have their heart suddenly stop and less likely to receive lifesaving CPR or AED help. That’s why expanding Hands-Only CPR and AED awareness in Black communities is urgent. When more families, neighbors and faith communities are trained and confident to act, more lives can be saved.”

Additional Resources:

VIDEO: Impact With Heart Awards: Kwamane Liddell, CEO and founder of ThriveLink
Photos available on the right column of the release link.
For more information about the Nation of Lifesavers™, visit this website.
Understanding the importance of the lay responder experience in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association
Difference in cardiac arrest vs. heart attack
Learn Hands-Only CPR/use an AED (English, Spanish, Mandarin)
Bystander CPR
Bystander CPR Infographic
Hands-Only CPR Resources
Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews

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About the American Heart Association

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1869

Jennifer Braxton: jennifer.braxton@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org

[1] Cardiovascular Diseases in African Americans: Fostering Community Partnerships to Stem the Tide - PMC

[2] 2026 Stats Update Fact Sheet US Black Race and CVD

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New cardiology-OB-GYN continuing education to launch with $1 million gift from leading media voice on health Dr. Jennifer Ashton and husband Tom Werner

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Embargoed until 12 p.m. CT/1 p.m. ET, Monday, February 23, 2026

DALLAS, Feb. 23, 2026 — The American Heart Association today announced a bold new initiative designed to transform how clinicians identify and treat cardiovascular risk in midlife women. The initiative will be powered by a landmark $1 million philanthropic gift from Jennifer Ashton, M.D., M.S., FACOG, ABOM, a nationally trusted women’s health authority, Emmy Award–winning medical journalist and devoted Association volunteer and board member, and her husband Tom Werner, acclaimed television producer and chairman/co-owner of Fenway Sports Group. Their extraordinary generosity reflects a deep personal commitment to women’s health and will help accelerate the creation of a new professional educational program uniting cardiologists and OB-GYNs to ensure women navigating the menopause transition receive proactive, evidence based cardiovascular care.

Menopause transition is a life stage marked by sharp, independent increases in cardiometabolic risk that often go unrecognized in clinical care. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women, responsible for 1 in 3 female deaths each year, and it is projected to increase over the next few decades, according to the Association, making the need for coordinated, evidence‑based guidance for women in this life stage more urgent than ever before. Propelled by Dr. Ashton and Mr. Werner’s visionary investment, the American Heart Association’s planned educational initiative will equip cardiologists and OB‑GYNs with practical, interdisciplinary tools and education to better identify and treat cardiovascular risk in midlife women and close treatment gaps.

“We are profoundly grateful for Jen and Tom’s remarkable vision and generosity,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all. “Their leadership sets a new standard for philanthropy in women’s health. This commitment will accelerate the development of interdisciplinary education, but it will also redefine how cardiovascular and gynecologic health are connected across a woman’s life course ensuring women receive the proactive, integrated care they urgently need at one of life’s most pivotal stages.”

About the new cardio-OB-GYN CE

The vision for a new continuing education (CE) program is a collaborative one. The Heart Association is working with other professional medical societies and organizations focused on women’s health care on this initiative. The overall goal is to increase healthcare professional knowledge, competence and performance around women’s heart health with a focus on menopause and other OB-GYN issues. By fostering strong interdisciplinary collaboration, the education can enhance patient outcomes and reduce the burden of CVD among women.

“Menopause represents a period when women’s cardiovascular risks intensify, underscoring the need for truly coordinated, evidence‑informed care,” said Amy Young M.D., CEO of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. "As the OB-GYN medical community seeks to do more to advance care for woman in menopause, we hope that as a certifying body, we can contribute to the collaborative conversations and the work to ensure women navigating this life stage receive safe, proactive, and connected care."

Early intervention at midlife remains one of the most powerful opportunities to prevent cardiovascular disease in women.

“As an OB-GYN, the daughter of a cardiologist and a woman, I know women’s cardiovascular risks are too often overlooked in midlife, which happens because OB-GYNs often don’t know the latest cardiology information, and cardiologists often are unaware of the most current aspects of menopause medicine. This program seeks to connect the dots between these two specialties with tailored curricula… it’s what doctors need to know.,” said Dr. Ashton, who is also the founder and president of Ajenda, a women’s health platform with a focus on midlife. “Coordinated, evidence‑based education that empowers clinicians across specialties is urgently needed to recognize and treat risks to women’s heart and brain health earlier. Tom and I are honored to support this initiative that we believe will change — and save — countless women’s lives.”

Initial courses will launch in Fall 2026, with additional modules released through Spring 2027.

Women’s rising cardiovascular risk at menopause

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women, responsible for 1 in 3 female deaths each year, far exceeding deaths from all cancers combined, according to the Association, a global force changing the future of health for all.

For many women, the menopause transition marks the period when cardiovascular risk accelerates due to declining estrogen, increased abdominal fat, worsening lipid profiles, vascular stiffening, and rising blood pressure. This is a critical phase in a woman’s life that warrants collaborative care between the medical specialties that take care of these women.

According to the American Heart Association:

Hot flashes and night sweats, the most common menopause-related symptoms, are associated with worse cardiovascular disease risk factor levels.
Cholesterol levels and metabolic syndrome risk, cardiovascular risk factors, appear to increase with menopause beyond the effects of normal aging.
Only 7.2% of women transitioning to menopause meet physical activity guidelines, and fewer than 20% maintain a healthy diet, compounding midlife risk.
After menopause, 1 in 4 women may develop irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation (AFIB). AFib an increase stroke risk.

Additional Resources:

Available multimedia is on right column of release link
Go Red For Women: Menopause and cardiovascular risk
American Heart Association Scientific Statement: “Menopause Transition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Implications for Timing for Early Prevention”
American Heart Association News Release: Non-biological factors and social determinants of health important in women’s CVD risk assessment
American Heart Association Health Information: Go Red for Women
Follow American Heart Association/American Stroke Association news on X @HeartNews

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About the American Heart Association

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Suzanne Grant: suzanne.grant@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

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Rate of heart valve disease expected to double by 2040; early diagnosis can save lives

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

DALLAS, Feb. 22, 2026 — As the population ages, the American Heart Association now projects 6 in 10 adults will have cardiovascular disease by 2050 and additional projections indicate heart valve disease is expected to double by 2040 and triple by 2060.[1] Yet many people do not know they are at risk. On Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, held annually on February 22, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all, encourages health care professionals to prioritize timely diagnosis by listening carefully to every patient’s heart at every visit.

Heart valve disease becomes more common with age and often progresses silently. A simple but careful clinical history and precise stethoscope exam can detect early warning signs before symptoms become severe. Early diagnosis can expand treatment options, prevent complications and improve quality of life.

“Projections show heart valve disease is on a steep rise, but too many people don’t realize they’re at risk. Because the condition often develops quietly, early detection is critical,” said Clyde W. Yancy, M.D., M.Sc., FAHA, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association (2009–2010), co-chair of the Target: Aortic Stenosis^TM Science Advisory Group, and chief of cardiology in the department of medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “A history and careful exam can contribute to detecting valve disease earlier, helping prevent delays in intervention as the disease progresses. The key is listening – to the history and to the heart. A follow-up with imaging for any hints is the right and best next step.”

In addition to routine stethoscope checks, timely echocardiograms and referrals to cardiologists can help ensure people receive appropriate care. Conversations with patients are equally important. Many may not realize effective treatments may be available, including minimally invasive procedures. Discussing options and follow-up care supports shared decision-making and helps patients choose what is right for them.

Heart valve disease and women

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for everyone, yet women are more likely to be misdiagnosed or diagnosed later than men with heart valve disease. Research shows women and men may experience several heart valve conditions differently, and differences in symptoms and referral patterns may contribute to delayed care.

Women with conditions such as mitral valve prolapse or rheumatic mitral valve disease may experience more severe symptoms than men with the same condition. However, women are less likely to be referred for surgical interventions.[2] Raising awareness among clinicians and patients can help close these gaps and improve outcomes. Timely referrals to cardiologists and proactive treatment decisions can support longer, healthier lives for women living with heart valve disease.

Supporting clinicians and health systems

The Association has identified heart valve disease as a key focus area and continues to support clinicians and health systems in improving patient care. Through its Heart Valve Initiative, the Association works to reduce deaths and improve care for millions of people living with heart valve disease by helping health systems identify patients earlier and align treatment with the latest evidence-based guidelines.

The Association’s Target: Aortic Stenosis™ initiative aims to improve timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment while providing comprehensive resources for patients and caregivers. The program uses a data registry to enhance the patient experience, from symptom recognition and diagnosis to treatment and ongoing disease management.

Additional Resources:

Get With The Guidelines
Target: Aortic Stenosis
What is Heart Valve Disease? (PDF)
Aortic Stenosis Fact Sheet
American Heart Association Support Network
Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews

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About the American Heart Association

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Tracie Bertaut: tracie.bertaut@heart.org, 504-722-1695

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8689964/#oeab034-B1

[2]https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.121.319914#:~:text=10%2C11,and%20unconscious%20bias%20from%20providers

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Free webinar shows how trusts simplify giving and secure financial assets

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMT

DALLAS, Feb. 19, 2026 — More than 80% of people in the U.S. recognize the importance of estate planning, but less an a third have a will or trust, according to a 2025 Trust & Will Estate Planning Report.[1] To close this gap, the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, invites donors of any age to join a free estate planning webinar focused on revocable living trusts and charitable remainder unitrusts. The one-hour webinar will take place on Thursday, February 26, at 2 p.m. Eastern/1 p.m. Central/11 a.m. Pacific. Attendees will hear real-life examples to help explain how trusts are structured and used.

“Estate planning can be overwhelming without proper guidance. Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a legacy that protects their money and their generosity,” said Lee Shapiro, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association and managing partner and co-founder at 7wireVentures, an investment firm headquartered in Chicago. “This webinar will make it easier to understand by using plain language and practical examples so people can feel comfortable taking the next step in their estate planning process.”

The free webinar will feature guest experts in wealth management, estate law and trust administration, including Clare Ceplecha, JD, CFTA, Mary Alfred, JD and Samuel M. DiPietro.

The session will:

Introduce the definition of trusts
Explain how trusts are created and maintained
Share the rules of simple and complex trusts
Detail how trusts can be useful in charitable giving

Participants will receive free resources about charitable trusts and revocable living trusts upon registration.

Planned giving is a powerful way to create lasting impact and support the causes that matter most. Donations contributed from planned gifts allow the Heart Association to support the organization’s 2028 Impact Goal that will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy and care for healthier people and communities. American Heart Association donors who choose to give a legacy gift through charitable financial planning are recognized for their leadership as members of the Paul Dudley White Legacy Circle, a designation within the Cor Vitae Society, named in tribute to one of the Association’s visionary founders and a pioneer of preventive cardiology.

Legacy gifts are vital to sustain the American Heart Association’s role as the nation’s leading non-governmental funder of cardiovascular research, with more than $5.9 billion invested in scientific discovery since 1949. This generosity is what fuels lifesaving research and education, helping people everywhere live longer, healthier lives for generations to come.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Erin Montie: erin.montie@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

[1] 2025 Estate Planning Report | Trust & Will

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Millones de personas desconocen los riesgos cardíacos que no se originan en el corazón

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Aspectos destacados:

La salud cardíaca y el riesgo de padecer enfermedades cardíacas van más allá del corazón.
La diabetes y las enfermedades renales son los principales factores de riesgo para las enfermedades cardíacas, pero muchos casos no se diagnostican.
La revisión periódica de los factores de salud relacionados, como la presión arterial, el colesterol, la glucemia (azúcar en sangre), el perímetro de la cintura y la función renal, así como el tratamiento adecuado cuando sea necesario, pueden ayudar a prevenir las enfermedades cardíacas.

DALLAS, 18 de febrero de 2026 — La diabetes y las enfermedades renales son los principales factores de riesgo para las enfermedades cardíacas, pero muchos casos no se diagnostican. Además, una encuesta al consumidor (sitio web en inglés) realizada el otoño pasado sugiere que la mayoría de las personas no son conscientes de que la salud cardíaca, renal y metabólica (cómo el cuerpo crea, utiliza y almacena energía) están relacionadas.

Según la nueva actualización de estadísticas de 2026 de American Heart Association (Asociación Americana del Corazón) (sitio web en inglés), casi 1 de cada 4 adultos de los EE. UU. con diabetes no saben que la padecen. Además, los datos de los Centros para el Control de Enfermedades[1] informan que hasta 9 de cada 10 adultos con enfermedad renal crónica no saben que la padecen.

Debido a que las enfermedades cardíacas, las enfermedades renales y la diabetes están estrechamente relacionadas, padecer una de ellas suele aumentar la probabilidad de desarrollar las demás. Esto se debe en gran medida a factores de riesgo compartidos, como la presión arterial alta, el colesterol alto, el azúcar en sangre alto, el sobrepeso y la reducción de la función renal. El informe estadístico de la Asociación indica que la detección de enfermedades renales en particular podría mejorarse, ya que dos tercios de los pacientes con presión arterial alta o diabetes no saben que también padecen una enfermedad renal debido a la falta de exámenes de uACR, un análisis de orina para evaluar la función renal. Para las personas con diabetes o hipertensión arterial, se recomiendan dos exámenes de detección para evaluar la salud de la función renal: el análisis de orina uACR y el análisis de sangre eGFR. Cada uno mide diferentes aspectos de la salud y la función renal.

“Alentamos a las personas a que tomen conciencia de la relación entre las distintas afecciones, de modo que, junto con su equipo de cuidados de salud, puedan pensar en su salud general más allá de las afecciones individuales”, afirmó Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, presidenta voluntaria de la American Heart Association. “Comprender la conexión ayuda a prevenir mejor las complicaciones a través de cambios en el estilo de vida y un tratamiento adecuado”.

El término médico para la conexión entre las enfermedades cardíacas, las enfermedades renales y la diabetes es síndrome cardiovascular-renal-metabólico o síndrome CRM (sitio web en inglés). Las mayores amenazas para la salud causadas por el síndrome CRM son la discapacidad y la muerte por enfermedades cardíacas y ataques o derrames cerebrales, que constituyen la parte “cardiovascular” de CRM.

La parte “metabólica” del síndrome CRM incluye la diabetes y la obesidad. Las enfermedades renales se relacionan estrechamente con las enfermedades metabólicas y cardiovasculares.

Rosen hace hincapié en que los exámenes periódicos de su salud cardiovascular, renal y metabólica pueden detectar problemas de forma temprana, ya que aproximadamente el 80% de los ataques cardíacos y los ataques o derrames cerebrales se pueden prevenir, según la American Heart Association. Además, los factores de riesgo suelen desarrollarse de forma lenta, con pocos o ningún síntoma al principio.

“Debido a las tasas actuales de los factores de riesgo, todo el mundo podría beneficiarse de someterse a este tipo de pruebas”, añade. Rosen es directora ejecutiva del Katz Institute for Women’s Health y vicepresidenta sénior de salud de la mujer en Northwell Health, en la ciudad de Nueva York.

El informe estadístico de 2026 de la Asociación muestra que alrededor de la mitad de todos los adultos de los EE. UU. padecen presión arterial alta, aproximadamente 1 de cada 3 tienen colesterol total alto, más de la mitad tiene prediabetes o diabetes, más de la mitad tiene una circunferencia de cintura grande y aproximadamente 1 de cada 7 padece enfermedades renales.

La detección del síndrome CRM puede incluir las siguientes pruebas:

Presión arterial
Perfil lipídico, que incluye colesterol total, colesterol LDL (conocido como colesterol “malo”), colesterol HDL (colesterol “bueno”) y triglicéridos, el tipo de grasa más común en el cuerpo
Glucemia (azúcar en sangre), medida a corto plazo, como la glucosa en ayunas, o a largo plazo, como A1C
Peso y tamaño corporal, medidos por el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la circunferencia de la cintura
Función renal, medida con un análisis de orina llamado CACu (cociente de albúmina-creatinina en orina) y un análisis de sangre llamado TFGe (tasa de filtración glomerular estimada)

Un profesional de la salud puede introducir los resultados de estas pruebas en la calculadora en línea PREVENT (sitio web en inglés) para estimar su riesgo individual de padecer enfermedades cardiovasculares durante los próximos 10 o 30 años.

El síndrome CRM se puede prevenir y tratar. Los hábitos saludables como los de Life’s Essential 8 (sitio web en inglés) y los tratamientos basados en la evidencia pueden mejorar varias afecciones juntas.

La American Heart Association, la principal organización sin fines de lucro del mundo centrada en cambiar el futuro de la salud para todos, lleva más de 100 años promoviendo una mejor salud cardíaca y cerebral. La Iniciativa de salud cardiovascular-renal-metabólica de la Asociación (sitio web en inglés) es un esfuerzo específico para concientizar sobre las conexiones entre las afecciones del síndrome CRM y para mejorar las tasas de diagnóstico, lo que ayuda a las personas a ser más conscientes de su riesgo. La iniciativa, apoyada por los patrocinadores fundadores Novo Nordisk y Boehringer Ingelheim, los patrocinadores Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation y Bayer, y el patrocinador principal DaVita, cuenta con la participación de 150 centros de atención médica en 15 regiones de los EE. UU., que aprenderán y compartirán las prácticas recomendadas para la atención interdisciplinaria del síndrome CRM. Se espera que tenga un impacto en la atención de más de un cuarto de millón de pacientes.

La Asociación recibe más de un 85% de sus ingresos de fuentes ajenas a empresas. Estas fuentes incluyen contribuciones de personas particulares, fundaciones y patrimonios, así como ganancias por inversiones e ingresos por la venta de nuestros materiales informativos. Las empresas (incluidas las farmacéuticas, los fabricantes de dispositivos y otras compañías) también realizan donaciones a la Asociación. La Asociación tiene políticas estrictas para evitar que las donaciones influyan en el contenido científico y en las posturas de sus políticas. La información financiera general está disponible aquí. (sitio web en inglés).

Recursos adicionales:

Comunicado de prensa en inglés
Comunicado de prensa de la American Heart Association: Se han seleccionado 15 regiones para llevar a cabo una iniciativa pionera destinada a reducir las enfermedades cardiovasculares (sitio web en inglés) (julio de 2025)
Guía de implementación de salud CRM de la American Heart Association (sitio web en inglés)
Siga las noticias de la American Heart Association/American Stroke Association en X en @HeartNews (sitio web en inglés)

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Acerca de la American Heart Association

La American Heart Association es una fuerza incansable para un mundo de vidas más largas y saludables. La organización ha sido una fuente líder de información sobre salud durante más de cien años y su objetivo es garantizar la equidad en la salud en todas las comunidades. Con el apoyo de más de 35 millones de voluntarios en todo el mundo, financiamos investigaciones vanguardistas, defendemos la salud pública y proporcionamos recursos fundamentales para salvar y mejorar vidas afectadas por enfermedades cardiovasculares y ataques o derrames cerebrales. Trabajamos incansablemente para hacer avanzar la salud y transformar vidas cada día mediante el impulso de avances y la implementación de soluciones comprobadas en las áreas de ciencia, políticas y cuidados. Comuníquese con nosotros mediante heart.org (sitio web en inglés), Facebook o X, o llame al 1-800-AHA-USA1.

Para consultas de los medios de comunicación o el punto de vista experto de la AHA/ASA:214-706-1173

Maggie Francis: Maggie.Francis@heart.org

Para consultas públicas: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org (sitio web en inglés) y derramecerebral.org

[1] Conceptos básicos de la enfermedad renal crónica | Enfermedad renal crónica | CDC (sitio web en inglés)

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Millions are unaware of heart risks that don’t start in the heart

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Highlights:

Heart health and heart disease risk go beyond the heart.
Diabetes and kidney disease are major risk factors for heart disease, yet many cases are undiagnosed.
Regular screening of connected health factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose (sugar), waist circumference and kidney function, and appropriate treatment when needed can help prevent heart disease.

DALLAS, Feb. 18, 2026 — Diabetes and kidney disease are major risk factors for heart disease, yet many cases are undiagnosed. In addition, a consumer survey done last fall suggests that most people don’t realize that their heart, kidney and metabolic health (how the body creates, uses and stores energy) are connected.

According to the American Heart Association’s new 2026 statistics update, almost 1 in 4 U.S. adults with diabetes are unaware they have it. In addition, Centers for Disease Control data[1] report that as many as 9 in 10 adults with chronic kidney disease do not know they have it.

Because heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes are closely linked, having one condition often increases the likelihood of developing the others. This is largely due to shared risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, excess weight and reduced kidney function. The Association’s statistics report indicates that screening for kidney disease in particular could be improved, as two-thirds of patients with high blood pressure or diabetes are not aware that they also have kidney disease due to lack of uACR testing, a urine test for kidney function. For people with diabetes or high blood pressure, two screening tests for kidney health are suggested: the uACR urine test and eGFR blood test. Each measures different aspects of kidney health and function.

“We are encouraging people to become aware of the connection between conditions so they and their health care team can think about their overall health beyond individual conditions,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. “Understanding the connection helps you better prevent complications through lifestyle changes and appropriate treatment.”

The medical term for the connection between heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes is cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, or CKM syndrome. The biggest health threats from CKM syndrome are disability and death from heart disease and stroke, which make up the “cardiovascular” part of CKM.

The “metabolic” part of CKM syndrome includes diabetes and obesity. Kidney disease is closely linked with both metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Rosen emphasizes that regular screening of your cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic health can catch problems early, as approximately 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable, according to the American Heart Association. In addition, risk factors often develop slowly, with few or no symptoms at first.

“Due to the current risk factor rates, everyone could benefit from being screened this way,” she adds. Rosen is executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and senior vice president of women’s health at Northwell Health in New York City.

The Association’s 2026 statistics report shows that about half of all U.S. adults have high blood pressure, about 1 in 3 has high total cholesterol, more than half have prediabetes or diabetes, over half have a high waist circumference, and about 1 in 7 has kidney disease.

Screening for CKM syndrome may include the following tests:

Blood pressure
Cholesterol panel, which includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (known as “bad” cholesterol), HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol), and triglycerides, the most common type of fat in the body
Blood glucose (blood sugar), measured in either the short term as fasting glucose or long term as A1C
Body weight and size, measured by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference
Kidney function, measured with both UACR and eGFR

A healthcare professional can put results from these tests into the PREVENT online calculator to estimate your individual risk for cardiovascular disease over the next 10 or 30 years.

CKM syndrome is preventable and treatable. Healthy habits like those in Life’s Essential 8 and evidence-based treatments can improve multiple health conditions together.

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all, has championed better heart and brain health for more than 100 years. The Association’s Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health Initiative is a specific effort to raise awareness of the connections between CKM syndrome conditions and improve diagnosis rates, helping people to be more aware of their risk. The initiative, supported by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, supporting sponsors Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Bayer, and champion sponsor DaVita, is enrolling 150 health care sites across 15 U.S. regions to participate in learning and sharing best practices for interdisciplinary care of CKM syndrome. It is expected to impact the care of more than a quarter-million patients.

The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here.

Additional Resources:

News Release Translations: Spanish | Chinese (Simplified)
American Heart Association news release: 15 regions chosen for groundbreaking effort to reduce cardiovascular disease (July 2025)
American Heart Association’s CKM Health Implementation Guide
Follow American Heart Association/American Stroke Association news on X @HeartNews

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About the American Heart Association

For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173

Maggie Francis: Maggie.Francis@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

[1] Chronic Kidney Disease Basics | Chronic Kidney Disease | CDC

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CPR skills prepare communities to save lives when seconds matter

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

DALLAS, Feb. 12, 2026 — When a medical emergency happens, time matters and a quick response is needed[1]. During American Heart Month 2026, the National Fraternal Order of Police joins the American Heart Association in urging Americans everywhere to be the help until help arrives and learn how to respond in a medical emergency such as cardiac arrest – when providing help like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be the difference between life and death.

For the fourth consecutive year, American Heart Month highlights the need to be prepared in an emergency and provide CPR because immediate action can change outcomes. In fact, providing immediate CPR for a person experiencing cardiac arrest can double or even triple their chances of survival.

“The American Heart Association is creating a Nation of Lifesavers by ensuring more people are comfortable delivering CPR when they witness someone experiencing cardiac arrest,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, is the executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and senior vice president of women’s health at Northwell Health in New York City. “Anyone can be a first responder during a medical emergency until professional help arrives on the scene.”

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere and at any time. Survival often begins with a person who witnesses the event and is strengthened by the rapid response of first responders. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services professionals and other first responders bring skill, courage and compassion to cardiac emergencies every day. Their dedication reflects the highest standards of public service and reinforces the importance of community preparedness.

“Every day, our local law enforcement officers work to protect lives and keep communities safe, often arriving at moments when seconds make the difference,” said Patrick Yoes, president of the National Fraternal Order of Police. “By encouraging more citizens to act as initial first responders by knowing and performing CPR, we strengthen the chain of survival and reinforce a shared commitment to safety and preparedness.”

By expanding access to CPR education, communities can help ensure the chain of survival is activated earlier, ideally the moment a cardiac emergency occurs.

“When more people are trained, help is already in motion before sirens are heard, which can improve the chance of a positive outcome,” said Ashish Panchal, M.D., Ph.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee, physician and professor of emergency medicine at The Ohio State University. “The sooner people realize help is needed, call 9-1-1 and start CPR, the better the odds are the person can recover. We need everyone to be ready to be a lifesaver and act as that initial first responder.”

This American Heart Month, the National Fraternal Order of Police and the American Heart Association encourage everyone to take action: learn CPR, refresh existing training and motivate others to do the same. Saving a life should never be left to chance. Preparedness is a shared responsibility — and together, communities can be ready to respond when seconds matter most.

Each year, approximately 350,000 people in the U.S. experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest – when the heart suddenly stops beating – which results in death 90% of the time, according to the Heart Association’s statistics[2].

Additional Resources:

Multimedia is available on the right column of the release link.
More information on Joining the Nation of Lifesavers – www.heart.org/nation
Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews

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About the American Heart Association

About the National Fraternal Order of Police
Founded in 1915, the Fraternal Order of Police is the largest law enforcement organization in the United States, with more than 382,000 members. With national offices in Nashville, Tennessee and Washington, D.C., the FOP is committed to improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers and the safety of those who serve through education, legislation, information, community involvement and employee representation. Please visit fop.net for more information.

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Karen Springs: karen.springs@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

[1] Merchant RM, Becker LB, Brooks SC, Chan PS, Del Rios M, McBride ME, Neumar RW, Previdi JK, Uzendu A, Sasson C; on behalf of the American Heart Association. The American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care 2030 Impact Goals and call to action to improve cardiac arrest outcomes: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2024;149:e914–e933. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001196

[2] Martin, S. S., Aday, A. W., Allen, N. B., Almarzooq, Z. I., Anderson, C. A., Arora, P., Avery, C. L., Baker-Smith, C. M., Bansal, N., Beaton, A. Z., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Currie, M. E., Elkind, M. S., Fan, W., Generoso, G., Gibbs, B. B., Heard, D. G., Hiremath, S., Johansen, M. C., . . . Palaniappan, L. P. (2025). 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A report of US and global data from the American Heart Association. Circulation. https://doi.org/10.1161/cir.0000000000001303

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New funding grants to accelerate scientific research, discovery on leading birth defect

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

DALLAS, Feb. 10, 2026 — Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defect in the U.S., affecting nearly 1% of births.[1] To help health care professionals better understand how to prevent, diagnose and treat CHDs, the American Heart Association and The Children’s Heart Foundation will again fund five promising scientific researchers through the joint Congenital Heart Defect Research Awards program.

To date, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on changing the future of health for all and the largest nongovernment funder of cardiovascular research, along with The Children’s Heart Foundation, dedicated to funding the most promising congenital heart defect research, have pledged more than $10 million across 10 years of the specific joint CHD scientific research funding collaboration.

Because of advancements made through research, death rates from congenital heart disease in the U.S. have declined by 37.5% since 1999.[2] Despite major advances in care, complex congenital heart defects remain associated with significant risk, and some forms still carry increased mortality during the first year of life.[3]

Receiving the latest in new grant funding, combining for more than $640,000, are:

Jennifer Schumacher, Ph.D. at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio for Mechanisms of retinoic acid signaling in aorta development

Naoki Konno, Ph.D. at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California for Deciphering congenital heart defects through single-cell evolution and in silico perturbation

Hao Wang, Ph.D. at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida for the Role of CDK13 in Cardiac Remodeling

Rachel Szymanski at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina for Function of CRL4 in cardiac development

Lucas Voce at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in Minneapolis, Minnesota for Design and Development of a Growing Transcatheter Pulmonary Stent Valve for Pediatrics

“Congenital heart defects are the nation’s most common birth defect, affecting approximately 40,000 babies every year. That’s why sustained investment in rigorous science matters: it turns uncertainty into answers and gives clinicians and families the tools they need to help CHD patients live longer, healthier lives,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and senior vice president of women’s health at Northwell Health in New York City.

“We’re proud to continue funding innovative CHD research alongside the American Heart Association,” said Terry Morrow, president and CEO of The Children’s Heart Foundation. “By combining our expertise and shared commitment, we’re accelerating discoveries that improve care, save lives and bring hope to families affected by CHDs.”

Researchers studying the prevention and treatment of congenital heart defects are encouraged to submit applications for funding from the American Heart Association and The Children’s Heart Foundation. For submission guidelines and upcoming deadlines specific to the Congenital Heart Defect Research Awards, visit professional.heart.org/CHDResearchAwards.

New ACHD Guideline

Advances in surgical treatments over the last few decades have contributed to over 90% of babies born with heart defects in the United States now surviving well into adulthood. This has led to a rapidly growing population of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) who remain at increased risk of cardiac complications as they age, despite early interventions.

The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), along with several other leading medical associations, issued a new guideline [4] in December 2025 for managing congenital heart disease in adults. The new guideline includes additions related to the role of clinicians with specialized expertise in guiding the care of adults with congenital heart disease; updates regarding mental health, physical activity, pregnancy and heart failure; and new recommendations about specific types of heart defects and treatment approaches.

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About the American Heart Association

About The Children’s Heart Foundation

The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF) is the country’s leading organization solely committed to funding congenital heart defect (CHD) research. The Children’s Heart Foundation’s mission is to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects by funding the most promising research. To date, CHF has funded over $21 million of CHD research and scientific collaborations. For more information or to join our cause, visit www.childrensheartfoundation.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X , and LinkedIn.

For Media Inquiries:

American Heart Association: Julia Kersey, julia.kersey@heart.org

The Children’s Heart Foundation: Lauren DeVoe, ldevoe@childrensheartfoundation.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

[1] https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/about-congenital-heart-defects

[2] Children’s Heart | About CHDs | Congenital Heart Defects

[3] Children’s Heart | About CHDs | Congenital Heart Defects

[4] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001402

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136 escuelas de todo el país recibieron subvenciones para mejorar la salud de los estudiantes y el cuerpo docente

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:30:00 GMT

DALLAS, 4 de febrero del 2026 — La actividad física es fundamental para la salud física y el bienestar emocional de los estudiantes estadounidenses, ya que los ayuda a aprender, concentrarse y manejar el estrés a lo largo de la jornada escolar; sin embargo, la mayoría de los jóvenes no se mueven lo suficiente. Según la American Heart Association (Asociación Americana del Corazón) (sitio web en inglés), solo 1 de cada 4 niños de 6 a 11 años realiza actualmente los 60 minutos de actividad física diaria que se recomiendan, una estadística que es superior al doble para jóvenes de 12 a 17 años. Para proporcionar a las escuelas más formas de promover el movimiento físico de los estudiantes y el bienestar del cuerpo docente, la American Heart Association y la Liga Nacional de Fútbol Americano (NFL, por sus siglas en inglés) (sitio web en inglés) seleccionaron a 136 escuelas de todo el país para recibir subvenciones de Kids Heart Challenge™ y American Heart Challenge™ (sitio web en inglés) y de NFL PLAY 60™ (sitio web en inglés).

Este año marca el lanzamiento de una estructura de subvenciones mejorada que incluye un fondo de financiamiento anual de $350,000 proporcionado por la NFL. Se basa en los programas de subvenciones escolares Kids Heart Challenge y American Heart Challenge establecidos por la American Heart Association, una fuerza incansable que está cambiando el futuro de la salud para todas las personas en todas partes. Los ganadores anuales de este año fueron anunciados en una asamblea escolar de NFL PLAY 60 llevada a cabo en Lawton Alternative School en San Francisco, California. Las mascotas de la NFL (Sir Purr de Carolina Panthers, Freddie Falcon de Atlanta Falcons, Roary de Detroit Lions y K.C. Wolf de Kansas City Chiefs) estuvieron presentes en la celebración de presentación previa al Super Bowl LX en el Levis’ Stadium el domingo.

“Cada estudiante merece la oportunidad de aprender, crecer y sentirse lo mejor posible durante la jornada escolar. Con la expansión de este programa de subvenciones, ayudamos a las escuelas a crear más momentos de movimiento y más espacios en los que los niños se sienten apoyados tanto en su bienestar físico como emocional”, afirmó Nancy Brown, directora ejecutiva de la American Heart Association. “A medida que damos forma a nuestro próximo siglo de impacto, la American Heart Association se enorgullece de trabajar junto con la NFL para garantizar que los estudiantes de todas partes tengan acceso a oportunidades que les permitan vivir vidas más largas y saludables”.

Las subvenciones de NFL PLAY 60 apoyan cuatro áreas clave identificadas por las escuelas y los educadores, lo que incluye equipos para actividad física, fútbol bandera, mejoras en los recreos y educación física inclusiva, y recursos para el bienestar.

“Durante dos décadas, NFL PLAY 60 se ha comprometido a ayudar a los niños a llevar vidas más saludables y activas, y el programa ampliado de subvenciones de este año refleja ese compromiso de una manera aún mayor”, mencionó Megan Mendoza, directora sénior de Responsabilidad Social de la NFL. “Nos enorgullece trabajar con la American Heart Association para proporcionarles a las escuelas de todo el país las herramientas y los recursos que necesitan para inspirar el movimiento, fortalecer el bienestar y garantizar que todos los estudiantes tengan la oportunidad de prosperar”.

Arraigada en la ciencia, la iniciativa NFL PLAY 60 ayuda a los niños a desarrollar hábitos saludables para contar con una mayor probabilidad de tener una adultez saludable. El programa anima a los niños a realizar un mínimo de 60 minutos de actividad física intensa cada día para cumplir con las Directrices de actividad física para estadounidenses del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de EE. UU. (sitio web en inglés).

Esta temporada, las mascotas de la NFL también trabajarán para inspirar a los niños a moverse más a fin de fomentar el bienestar mental y físico, y para esto se unirán a la primera clase de embajadores de NFL PLAY 60 (sitio web en inglés). Entre los ocho miembros de la clase de embajadores se encuentran Freddie Falcon, Atlanta Falcons; Gumbo, New Orleans Saints; Rampage, Los Angeles Rams; Roary, Detroit Lions; Rowdy, Dallas Cowboys; Sir Purr, Carolina Panthers; T-Rac, Tennessee Titans; y K. C. Wolf, Kansas City Chiefs.

Las solicitudes de subvención de NFL PLAY 60 se aceptan durante todo el año y en abril se anunciará otro grupo de beneficiarios de subvenciones. La información sobre los recursos de NFL PLAY 60 y las oportunidades disponibles de subvención se pueden encontrar en línea en heart.org/NFLPLAY60 (sitio web en inglés).

Recursos adicionales:

Comunicado de prensa en inglés

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Acerca de la American Heart Association

Acerca de NFL PLAY 60

NFL PLAY 60 es la plataforma nacional de salud y bienestar juvenil de la liga. Durante casi 20 años, la iniciativa les ha permitido a millones de jóvenes mantenerse físicamente activos durante al menos 60 minutos al día y ha respaldado programas y recursos para que los niños de todas partes puedan llevar un estilo de vida saludable. Junto con los 32 clubes y los socios de la NFL, el movimiento PLAY 60 seguirá sirviendo y motivando a la próxima generación de jóvenes para que se activen y JUEGUEN POR 60 MINUTOS. Para obtener más información, visite NFL.com/PLAY60 (sitio web en inglés).

Para consultas de los medios de comunicación:

American Heart Association: Linzy Cotaya: 504-872-3446; linzy.cotaya@heart.org

Liga Nacional de Fútbol Americano: Ian Martin, Ian.Martin@nfl.com

Para consultas públicas: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org (sitio web en inglés) y derramecerebral.org

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