Over the past century, the American Heart Association (AHA) has played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding and treatment of heart disease and stroke, impacting millions of lives around the world.
Founded in 1924, AHA has been at the forefront of research and advocacy, working to eliminate cardiovascular disease and stroke.
monumental journey
This monumental journey and vision for future advances in cardiovascular health were recently published in the journal “American Heart Association at 100 Years: A Century of Scientific Progress and the Future of Cardiovascular Science – Presidential Recommendations.” It was announced in Circulation.
The recommendations, independently authored by a collective of current and past AHA volunteer presidents, offer a reflective look at the AHA’s contributions over the past century and anticipate future challenges and opportunities in cardiovascular science and health. I am.
Overcoming future challenges
This recommendation serves as an overarching narrative that connects AHA’s historic milestones with a positive outlook for overcoming future cardiovascular disease challenges. To the medical and scientific communities, alongside the public and private sectors, to strengthen efforts in research, clinical care, and public health, and pave the way for a future of optimal patient care, scientific progress, and health equity. We are issuing a strong call to action. It will be realized for everyone.
This collaborative approach aims to build on AHA’s 100th anniversary accomplishments and continue reducing cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Dr. Mitchell SV Elkind, Chair of the Advisory Writing Committee and 2020-21 AHA Volunteer President, reflected on the AHA’s fundamental mission: It is the pillar on which the American Heart Association was founded in 1924. ”
“Advances in this science since 1924 have led to remarkable achievements in the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke, effectively reducing death rates from heart disease by more than half (70%) from 1950 to 2021. We have reduced stroke mortality by nearly a third since 1998.”
Advances in cardiovascular science
Fundamental to this recommendation is recognition of the AHA’s role in promoting global leadership in cardiovascular science and medicine. The association’s efforts to support the scientific community through funding, publications, educational programs, and advocacy have helped advance cardiovascular health.
Dr. Elkind highlighted AHA’s comprehensive approach to health promotion, which goes beyond disease prevention to include active promotion of ideal cardiovascular health.
Dr. Mariel Jessup, vice chair of the advisory writing committee and the association’s chief scientific and medical officer, highlighted the breakthroughs in cardiovascular science. “The advances we have made over the past century are far beyond what the founders of the American Heart Association could have imagined,” she said.
“We know much more about the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and how to treat it. We are learning more about the role genetics can play in disease development. Advances in image processing allow us to look inside the body and see where blood clots are forming or where there are structural problems. We can now perform open and closed chest surgery. We can bring hearts back to life through resuscitation and defibrillation, and even give people a second chance at life through heart transplants.”
complex challenges
But Jessup also acknowledged existing health care disparities, emphasizing the need for equitable access to care and the importance of addressing social and structural determinants of health.
“It is no longer sufficient to understand the biological mechanisms of cardiovascular disease. Future scientific approaches will also explore epigenetic mechanisms, interactions between behavior and environment that can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease. Attention must be paid to fundamental social and structural factors such as education, housing, transportation, quality of neighborhood resources, air and water quality, access to care, and chronic psychosocial stress. “It includes,” she explained.
Looking ahead, the recommendations outline a future in which increased scientific literacy, adoption of non-traditional medical approaches, recognition of the interconnectedness of organ systems, and increased research funding are paramount. These strategies are essential to address the complex challenges of cardiovascular health in the 21st century and beyond.
Unwavering commitment
In comments accompanying the advisory, American Heart Association Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown reflected on the organization’s unwavering commitment to science and research. “This century’s scientific know-how means we have a number of proven solutions that we can offer. Our next century will be spent advancing knowledge and hopefully defeating heart disease and stroke. “It’s a thrilling opportunity,” she said.
Mr. Brown’s statement summarizes the advisory board’s overall outlook and the AHA’s enduring mission, emphasizing the organization’s dedication to improving and extending lifespans through scientific research and advocacy. . As the AHA enters its next century, this recommendation is both a testament to its historic influence and a clarion call for continued innovation, collaboration, and advocacy in the fight against cardiovascular disease and stroke. .
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