American Heart Association Recognizes 4,859 Organizations for Quality Healthcare

Strategic Insights -

The American Heart Association recently honored 4,859 healthcare and emergency response organizations nationwide for their commitment to providing guideline-based care for heart disease, stroke, and related conditions. This recognition is tied to the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines program and other quality improvement initiatives that help healthcare teams use evidence-based scientific information to guide treatment decisions. The awards are given for conditions including heart attack or stroke, heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrest, type 2 diabetes, and atrial fibrillation, with categories ranging from bronze to gold plus. The recognition is a significant step towards reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease, which claims one life every 34 seconds in the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • The American Heart Association recognized 4,859 healthcare and emergency response organizations nationwide for their commitment to improving health outcomes for people affected by heart disease, stroke, and related conditions.
  • This recognition is linked to the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines program and other quality improvement initiatives that help healthcare teams use the latest evidence-based scientific information to guide their treatment decisions.
  • Awards are given for conditions including heart attack or stroke, heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrest, type 2 diabetes, and atrial fibrillation, with categories ranging from bronze to gold plus.
  • The recognition is a significant step towards reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease, which claims one life every 34 seconds in the United States.
  • The American Heart Association recognizes 158 hospitals with a new award called Commitment to Quality, which recognizes outstanding performance in three or more clinical areas in the Get With the Guidelines program.
  • More than 14,500 awards were presented in total, with many organizations receiving more than one award.
  • The honorees represent all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam.
  • Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke or heart attack, and heart disease and stroke are the first and fifth leading causes of death in the United States, respectively.
  • Studies show that following treatment guidelines can help patients recover faster, avoid complications, and reduce their chances of returning to the hospital.

Statistics:

  • 4,859 healthcare and emergency response organizations were recognized for their commitment to improving health outcomes for people affected by heart disease, stroke, and related conditions.
  • The American Heart Association presented more than 14,500 awards in total, with many organizations receiving more than one award.
  • Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke or heart attack.
  • Heart disease and stroke are the first and fifth leading causes of death in the United States, respectively.
  • Studies show that following treatment guidelines can help patients recover faster, avoid complications, and reduce their chances of returning to the hospital by 25-30%.

Sources:

  • [1] Martin S, et al. 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Table/chapter. Circulation. 2025;151(8):e41--e660.
  • Original Press Release: DALLAS, July 29 -- American Heart Association issued the following news release.
  • American Heart Association website: heart.org.
  • About the American Heart Association: American Heart Association is a tireless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.