Top Things to Know: International Initiatives of the American Heart Association: Original Concepts, Present Programs, Future Focus
Published: August 15, 2024
Prepared by Melanie B. Turner, MPH, FAHA
- The American Heart Association (AHA) was founded in 1924 and has become a global leader in cardiovascular research, professional education, and advocacy.
- In collaboration with over 150 cardiology and neurology/stroke societies and foundations worldwide, the AHA contributes to international meetings, global advocacy, professional education, and strategic investments in multi-national research.
- Over the past decade, the AHA has expanded its global reach to over 100 countries, training millions of people each year globally in first aid and CPR.
- AHA expanded its advocacy efforts globally, participating in UN meetings on non-communicable diseases and integrating advocacy into international initiatives.
- International quality improvement efforts focus on improving resuscitation training, systems of care, and hospital-based registries measuring the quality of cardiovascular and stroke care.
- Reducing disparities in cardiovascular disease awareness, healthcare access, and patient outcomes are major drivers for the AHA’s international vision.
- The AHA aims to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere, and recognizes the challenges it faces in the international space.
- The AHA plans to expand its global priorities beyond heart and brain conditions to recognize and address the interconnectedness of risks and conditions related to non-communicable diseases.
- The AHA will invest in new technologies to enhance care delivery and expand access to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular care.
- Moving into AHA’s second century, international activities will be guided by the needs identified by in-country partners, fostering bidirectional learning and sustainable progress.
Citation
Smith SC Jr, Kazi DS, Anderson CAM, Beam C, Boyle DS, Carter KG, Elkind MSV, Khatri P, Meiners J, Morgan L, Patel P, Turner MB, Wenger NK; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Clinical Cardiology; Stroke Council; Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health; Council on Basic Cardiovascular Sciences; and Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research. International initiatives of the American Heart Association: originalconcepts, present programs, and future focus: a science advisory from the American Heart Association. Circulation. Published online August 15, 2024. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001266