- In 1915, a group of New York City physicians and social workers banded together to spread information about heart disease. Other cities soon formed their own societies modeled after the one in New York. In 1924, these separate societies merged to form the American Heart Association. Since 1924, the AHA has worked to prevent strokes, heart attacks and other forms of cardiovascular disease by funding research and educating the public.
- The American Heart Association's mission is "Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke." The AHA has set several goals, including reducing uncontrolled hypertension, or high blood pressure, by 25 percent by 2010. The AHA also is working to reverse the obesity epidemic and to slow the growth of the rate of diabetes.
- The American Heart Association's main headquarters is located in Dallas, TX. In addition to the main office, there are eight affiliate offices that cover the U.S as well as Puerto Rico. The affiliated offices cover administrative functions, advocacy, public relations and scientific research.
- There have been several organizations whose mission overlaps the American Heart Association. These newer groups bear names that are similar to the AHA. This can cause confusion for potential donors. These groups include National Heart Association and the American Heart Research Foundation. The AHA encourages any potential donors to investigate any charity before donating money.
- The American Heart Association uses 7.1 percent of all collected donations for administrative purposes. The balance is used for research and community education, including 35 percent for public health education and 23 percent for research.
