American Heart Association

Definition

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting cardiovascular diseases and promoting heart health through research, education, and advocacy. It plays a crucial role in setting guidelines for the management of cardiovascular conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AHA provides guidelines on the treatment of hypertension and angina.
2. It endorses evidence-based practices for lipid-lowering therapies such as statins and PCSK9 inhibitors.
3. The AHA establishes protocols for managing cardiac emergencies, including shock.
4. Weight management recommendations by the AHA include pharmacological options for obesity-related heart disease.
5. AHA's research heavily influences clinical practices in cardiovascular pharmacology.

Review Questions

• What role does the American Heart Association play in setting guidelines for antihypertensive drugs?
• How does the AHA contribute to managing cardiac emergencies?
• What are some of the AHA’s recommendations for weight management related to heart health?

Related terms

Hypertension:

A chronic medical condition characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure.

Statins:

A class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase.

Cardiac Emergency: An acute medical condition involving sudden, severe heart problems requiring immediate intervention.