American Heart Association

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a nonprofit organization in the United States that funds cardiovascular medical research, educates consumers on healthy living and fosters appropriate cardiac care in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke. They are known for publishing guidelines on cardiovascular disease and prevention, standards on basic life support, advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), pediatric advanced life support (PALS), and in 2014 issued the first guidelines for preventing strokes in women. The American Heart Association is also known for operating a number of highly visible public service campaigns starting in the 1970s, and also operates several fundraising events. Originally formed in Chicago in 1924, the American Heart Association is currently headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It was originally headquartered in New York City. The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency. The mission of the organization, updated in 2018, is "To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives." The organization's work can be divided into five key areas: research; heart and brain health; health equity; advocacy; and professional education and development.