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More than 2,200 Americans die of cardiovascular diseases each day — one person every 39 seconds. Cardiovascular diseases claim more lives each year than cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases and accidents combined. An American dies from a coronary event about every minute, and someone is stricken by such an event about every 25 seconds. On average, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds and stroke-related death occurs about every four minutes.

Research Facts:

• The AHA is second only to the federal government in funding cardiovascular and stroke research.
• Since 1949, the AHA has spent more than $3.3 billion on research to increase our knowledge about cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
• The AHA currently funds more than 2,100 scientists around the United States. 
• In spite of our investment, in 2010-11 we didn't have the additional $97.2 million needed to cover 741 other highly meritorious grant and fellowship applications. 
• Our research programs have contributed to many important scientific advances, including the first artificial heart valve, techniques and standards for CPR, implantable pacemakers, treatment for infant respiratory distress syndrome, cholesterol inhibitors, microsurgery, and drug-coated stents.  
• The AHA has funded the winners of 11 Nobel Prizes.
• Each of our seven affiliates channels at least 28 cents of every publicly donated dollar into research. For each dollar, 13 cents supports the association's National Research Program, and at least 15 cents supports the affiliate research program. 

The figures in this table do not equal the 2010-11 totals because one project may encompass more than one category.

Source:  Research Facts 2012