Last Update: January 2009
Financial Commitment | Research Goals |
Research Standards | Types of Research
Diseases of the heart are the No. 1 killer in America, and stroke is the No. 3 killer. The American Heart Association strongly believes that learning more about these diseases is the best way to reduce disability and death. That's why research is an association-wide priority.
Research Facts:
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- The AHA is second only to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in funding heart research.
- To support research, the AHA has invested almost $3.1 billion since 1949 and $160 million in 2007-08.
- The AHA currently funds about 2,500 scientists around the United States.
- In spite of our investment, in 2007-08 the AHA lacked another $132.1 million to fund 732 highly meritorious proposals -- a critical gap.
- AHA-funded breakthroughs include the first artificial heart valve, techniques and standards for CPR, implantable pacemakers, treatment for infant respiratory distress syndrome, cholesterol inhibitors, microsurgery and drug-coated stents.
- The AHA has funded the winners of 11 Nobel Prizes.
- In 2007-08, the AHA spent $11.2 million on research related to pediatrics.
- Research grants awarded by the American Heart Association in pediatric research include: cardiovascular development, congenital heart disease, Kawasaki disease, endocarditis, stroke, cardiovascular health and risk factors in children, gene therapy, surgical therapy and tissue engineering.
- Each American Heart Association affiliate channels at least 28 percent of every publicly donated dollar into research. For each dollar, 13 cents supports the association's National Research Program, and at least 15 cents supports the affiliate's research programs.
- Parents, family and friends who have a specific passion for supporting efforts in children's heart disease can be assured that a significant portion of the money raised in the Start! Heart Walk will support pediatric heart and stroke research and education.
See a list of funded researchers.
