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American Heart Association

Our Mission

Our mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. That single purpose drives all we do. The need for our work is beyond question. We invite you to help us achieve our 2020 Impact Goal: By 2020, to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent.


The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization. Its purpose is to help prevent America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers, heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association advocates to protect public health and promote positive behaviors, nutritious eating habits and healthy lifestyles. It also funds cutting-edge research as well as professional education programs.



Activity

  • American Heart Association
    American Heart Association answered:
    What is the ejection fraction?
    The heart’s ejection fraction is a term that describes how well the heart can pump blood out...  Full Post
  • American Heart Association
    American Heart Association answered:
    What is a cardiac catheterization?
    Cardiac catheterization (cardiac cath) is a procedure which examines the inside of the blood...  Full Post
  • American Heart Association
    American Heart Association answered:
    What are the different valves in the heart?
    The four valves of the heart are the tricuspid, mitral, pulmonic, and aortic valves. The upper two...  Full Post
  • American Heart Association
    American Heart Association answered:
    What does the pulmonic valve do?
    The heart’s pulmonary (or pulmonic) valve: Closes off the lower right chamber (or right...  Full Post
  • American Heart Association
    American Heart Association answered:
    What is it called when my heart valve leaks and does not close properly?
    Regurgitation is the term for a heart valve that leaks and does not close all the way. Blood leaks...  Full Post
  • American Heart Association
    American Heart Association answered:
    Is it possible to treat heart valve disease with medications alone?
    Most heart valve conditions cannot be treated with medication alone. However, sometimes the problem...  Full Post
  • American Heart Association
    American Heart Association answered:
    What are the risks associated with valve disease treatment?
    As with all surgeries, there are inherent risks. You can reduce your risks by choosing a surgeon...  Full Post
  • American Heart Association
    American Heart Association answered:
    What will happen if I don't treat my heart valve disease?
    Heart valve disease is not a condition that should be ignored when treatment is recommended. In...  Full Post
  • American Heart Association
    American Heart Association answered:
    Can dental work increase risks for people with heart valve problems?
    Until recently, the American Heart Association recommended giving antibiotics to these patients...  Full Post
  • American Heart Association
    American Heart Association answered:
    Is it possible to treat heart valve disease with medications alone?
    Most heart valve conditions cannot be treated with medication alone. However, sometimes the problem...  Full Post
  • American Heart Association
    American Heart Association answered:
    What are my options for heart valve disease treatment?
    Treatment for heart valve disease will include a plan to: Protect your heart from further damage...  Full Post
  • American Heart Association
    American Heart Association answered:
    How are most heart valve problems first noticed?
    Most heart valve problems are first noticed with the detection of a heart murmur. When a health...  Full Post
  • American Heart Association
    American Heart Association answered:
    What is it called when my heart valve does not open properly?
    Stenosis is the term for a heart valve that does not open properly. When the valve is working...  Full Post
  • American Heart Association
    American Heart Association answered:
    What is it called when my heart valve leaks and does not close properly?
    Regurgitation is the term for a heart valve that leaks and does not close all the way. Blood leaks...  Full Post
  • American Heart Association
    American Heart Association answered:
    What is essential for my heart valve to work properly?
    For your heart to work properly, here’s what is critical: The heart valve is properly formed...  Full Post