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History of the America Heart Association

Foundation

The AmericaHeart Association was founded in New York City in 1915. Initially, the association was named the Association for the Prevention and Relief of Heart Disease. The history of the America Heart Association began with founding members mainly comprising of scientists and medical professionals. With little to no knowledge of heart disease, researchers hoped to conduct more studies to find out more and share their findings with the general public.

Interest grew to cities such as Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia, and even reached all the way to Canada in the 1920s. As popularity of the America Heart Association grew, the necessity for more donations grew as well. Before too long, the America Heart Association grew more popular on a national level, receiving more support and donations for heart disease research.

Breakthrough  

  

Although the history of the America Heart Association had a promising beginning, there was a breakthrough. In 1948 during a radio contest, "The Walking Man," listeners were informed of the AHA and were encouraged to send donations. The AHA managed to raise 1.75 million before Jack Benny was announced as the Walking Man. The next year, the AHA raised 2.7 million for heart disease research.

The America Heart Association grew as the staff began employing volunteers. Scientists and physicians were conducting research, but raising awareness was emphasized. The volunteers served a vital role in educating the general public on heart disease and its risk factors and fundraising campaigns. In 1975, the National Center moved from New York City to Dallas, a precursor for subsequent years.

Later Years to the Present

  

By the 1980s, healthcare became a primary concern for heart patients. In addition, the staff of the America Heart Association became more diverse, employing women and minorities. This shift reached reached a wider audience for a better understanding of heart disease. As a result, reasearching the association between women and minorities with heart disease emerged.

In the 1990s, research was no longer confined to scientists and medical professionals. Physicians and American households were able to obtain knowledge on current research. Technology was a tool that acted as a source of this knowledge which AHA took full advantage of. In spite of the growing technology and the evolution of the AHA, the roots were still in place.

The history of the America Heart Association can be summed up as an evolution while remaining faithful to its mission from 1915. The America Heart Association is now a world-renowed enterprise, employed by mostly volunteers who are dedicated to raise funds for research and raise awareness to their local communities. The America Heart Association has competed with the Tobacco Industry, but has prevailed for over 100 years. 

Top 5 Keys to a Healthy Heart

One in four deaths per year in the US results from heart disease, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- it is the foremost cause of death for both genders and most ethnic groups. Approximately 735,000 people in the country per year suffer heart attacks. Everyone knows better health comes from a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise, but most are unable to put this into action even when they have a family history or high risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

With that in mind, here are the top 5 keys to a healthy heart.

1. Get Up

In modern society, most people sit at a desk, in a car, or in front of a screen for the bulk of their day. Physical inactivity is one of the top factors that lead to heart disease, according to the CDC, yet less than one-third of the population are moving enough. To boost heart health, stand up every 30 minutes, alternate between sitting and standing at work if possible, and consider cycling to work one or two days a week. Electric bikes, for example, have been shown to increase exercise levels while making the commute to work easier than ordinary bicycles. At the end of the day, take a brisk walk or do housework for a good cardio workout that adds up over the week and use a heart rate monitor to track it!

2. Drink Tea

Instead of consuming alcohol, which is another top factor for heart disease, have a few cups of tea. The flavonoids in tea keep coronary arteries from hardening, according to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. The benefits show up even without long-term use, so individuals would not have to drink tea over a lifetime as the Chinese do to lower their chances of cardiovascular disease and cardiac death.

3. Eat Better

Recent studies have shown berries such as blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries decrease inflammation, increase antioxidant levels, and bring other benefits that improve the heart over all. Both "exotic" berries -- such as acai and blackcurrants -- and common choices such as blackberries and raspberries protect the heart. The Journal of Nutritional Science also touts almonds for raising the level of good fats and decreasing cholesterol in blood, which in turn increases heart health. Almonds are of course a common component of a Mediterranean diet, which is one of the top keys to a healthy heart in itself.

What about those who are not interested in fruit or nuts, but still wish to be healthier? Early research results suggest they should add more whole-fat dairy to their routine, such as cheese, yogurt, and cultured milk products.

4. Have an Open Heart

Research shows feeling grateful and helping others is physically good for the heart. According to the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, focusing on what's good in other people and in life helps the body handle damage to and plaque in the coronary arteries. When doctors asked patients to record and focus on those positive things, the patients' heart rhythms improved in just two months. The American Journal of Cardiology also reports that having sex two or more times a week significantly lowers the chances of heart disease. Opening one's heart to other people is truly good for the heart.

On top of these top 5 keys to a healthy heart, scientists continue to discover more ways to improve heart health and prevent heart disease. Follow these tips and enjoy a longer, healthier life instead of becoming a mere statistic.