The American Heart Association advocates for stable and predictable funding for the National Institutes of Health, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the National Center on Health Statistics. Due in large part to NIH-funded research, death rates from cardiovascular disease and stroke have dropped 63 percent and 70 percent, respectively, in the past 30 years. And there are even more promising results on the horizon. However, By 2030, an estimated 40.5 percent of Americans (116 million) will have some form of cardiovascular disease – hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart failure or stroke – due in part to the aging of the population. The direct and indirect costs of cardiovascular diseases are projected to increase by 146 percent - from $444 billion in 2010 to $1.1 billion in 2030 – an increase of 146 percent. Research can find new ways to prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease and reduce its health and economic toll on our nation.
How You Can Promote Lifesaving Research …
You don't have to be a researcher to save lives - just an advocate with the American Heart Association who is willing to ask your lawmakers or federal officials to support research that can lead to better ways to prevent and treat heart disease and stroke.
With just a few clicks, you can make a big difference by responding to action alerts on the issues that are most important to you. Join the You’re the Cure advocate network!
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Heart disease, stroke and other forms of cardiovascular disease remain the No. 1 and most costly killer in the United States, taking the lives of far too many loved ones and friends each year. Medical research is our best defense—leading to new ways to prevent, treat and even cure heart disease and stroke. However, NIH continues to invest only 4% of its budget on heart research and a mere 1% on stroke research. These funding levels do not allow scientists to take advantage of promising opportunities that could lead to new treatment and prevention strategies, and even cures. The Association is committed to fighting for NIH funding, and if you would like to get involved, please visit our 
