digital illustration of a silhouette of a human body with lines and dots of a polygonal-shaped brain and heart

Getting to the Heart of Stroke™

A national initiative from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, developed in conjunction with and supported by HCA Healthcare and the HCA Healthcare Foundation, aimed at improving heart health and beating stroke.

Stroke is the No. 4 leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S., despite stroke being largely preventable, treatable and beatable.

Getting to the Heart of Stroke focuses on:

  • empowering consumers to know and better manage their risk factors and advocate for further evaluation; and
  • addresses health disparities through community health interventions focused on blood pressure, nutrition security, tobacco/vaping and/or maternal health in collaboration with local health centers and community organizations.

What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Discover the impact of the Getting to the Heart of Stroke initiative over the past two years in treating, beating, and preventing strokes.

 

American Heart Association® | Getting to the Heart of Stroke™ logo lock-up

Watch our impact video to see how the Getting to the Heart of Stroke initiative is making a difference for consumers and healthcare professionals.

Managing My AFib

Work with your healthcare professional to help better manage your AFib and to reduce your risk for stroke. You might need further evaluation.
Learn about AFib

MyAFib Experience

AFib affects millions of Americans — both patients and the loved ones who care for them. Connect online with others who know what you’re going through and get the support you need.
Get AFib support

Patient Stories

Collaboration among healthcare providers with attention to the heart-brain aspect of a stroke survivor’s recovery is an essential practice. This approach promises that patient-centered care focuses on helping stroke survivors prevent another stroke, maximizes survivors’ function, feasibly avoids complications, and optimizes survivors’ quality of life. Read how this approach worked for these stroke survivors.

A selfie of stroke survivor Chris Rose and his wife with a body of water and mountains in the background

Chris Rose

An AFib diagnosis sidelined Chris Rose, but with treatment, determination and healthy lifestyle changes, he reclaimed the life he loves.

Read Chris’s Story

Whitney Sheffield and her husband are standing in front of Brigham City Community Hospital's emergency entrance (photo credit: HCA Healthcare)

Whitney Sheffield

At age 24, this Utah woman was never expecting a health crisis. But after prompt diagnosis and treatment, she said, ‘It was like I hadn’t even had a stroke.

Read Whitney’s Story

Stroke survivor, Silivenusi “Nusi” Tukuafu, is standing in front of sports memorabilia wearing a Springboks rugby jersey.

Nusi Tukuafu

No time was lost when Nusi’s wife recognized that he was having a stroke. The result was fast hospital care, treatment and a second chance.

Read Nusi’s Story

Melody McMurray with her dog

Melody McMurray

At 21, Melody McMurray had a stroke, mistaking symptoms for exhaustion. Her boyfriend recognized the stroke warning signs F.A.S.T.

Read Melody’s Story

A wedding portrait of stroke survivor, Manuel Vera, and his daughter

Manuel Vera

Recognizing that he was having a stroke prompted a trip to the ER. Manuel’s unexpected stroke resulted in good outcomes.

Read Manuel’s Story

Stroke survivor, Daniel Ganier, and his wife, Denisha, smiling

Daniel Ganier

He was just 29 when he suffered a stroke. Thanks to a team collaboration of care providers, Ganier made a full recovery.

Read Daniel’s Story

A selfie of stroke survivor, Laura Sammons, and her husband at the beach

Laura Sammons

In 2017, as she approached an intersection with a stoplight, she blanked out and had no idea how to drive. Sammons was having a stroke.

Read Laura’s Story

'Getting to the Heart of Stroke' on a conceptual digital medical illustration background

Professional Education

Get started with webinars and podcasts aimed at increasing collaboration between cardiology and neurology, educating healthcare professionals, and addressing disparities in stroke risk factor diagnosis and treatment.

Watch. Learn. Listen.

HCA Healthcare and HCA Healthcare Foundation logo lock-up

HCA Healthcare and HCA Healthcare Foundation are proud to be the national sponsor of Getting to the Heart of Stroke™.

Together to End Stroke® E-newsletter

Designed for healthcare professionals and stroke leaders to stay informed on the latest insights in stroke.
Together to End Stroke E-news

Stroke Connection® E-newsletter

News, resources and stories for survivors of stroke and their caregivers.
Stroke Connection E-news