1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
2000
1990
2020

1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
2000
1990
2020


+ See How We Started Our Work (Expand)
1924
Offering Hope Where There Was None
In 1921, heart disease became the leading cause of death in the United States for the first time in history. Unlike today, back then the common belief was that there was no hope. Heart disease was considered a death sentence.
Some doctors refused to accept that. They knew that if we could understand heart disease better, then we could find ways to treat, beat and even prevent it. Doing so would require research, vision, teamwork – and an organization bringing it all together. And so, in June 1924, six doctors created the American Heart Association.
A century later, our organization has greatly expanded its scope, yet we’ve remained committed to what our founders envisioned: saving, improving and extending lives.
1924-1926
+ See How We Have Invested in Research (Expand)
1935
1935-2022
Research For a Healthier Future
The path to deeper understanding of heart disease, our founders knew, was paved by research, with funding beginning in 1948. Work directly funded by the AHA has earned 10 Nobel Prizes. In all, the AHA has funded 15 Nobel Prize winners at some point in their careers, including seven since 2003.
Yet what really stands out is the depth and breadth of our investments: more than $5.7 billion, the most by any entity outside the federal government. This funding has helped – and continues to help – many early career researchers.
+ See How We Spread Awareness (Expand)