World Heart Federation Honors American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown with Lifetime Achievement Award

The World Heart Federation (WHF) will honor Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on August 29 at the opening ceremony of the European Society of Cardiology Congress together with the World Congress of Cardiology in Madrid. The award recognizes her extraordinary leadership and lifelong commitment to transforming cardiovascular health globally through evidence-based programs and international collaboration.

Brown has served as CEO of the American Heart Association since 2008, having started with the organization in 1986 and held various leadership roles including chief operating officer. Under her guidance, the organization has advanced lifesaving science, innovation, and advocacy across more than 100 countries. The World Heart Federation, consisting of more than 200 heart foundations, scientific societies, and patient organizations spanning over 100 countries, cited Brown's visionary leadership, global partnerships, and unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes as transformative in combating cardiovascular disease—the world's leading cause of death.

Among her significant accomplishments are the launch of global quality improvement programs such as Get With The Guidelines and American Heart Association certification initiatives in the United States, Mexico, Latin America, India, and parts of Asia. These programs help measure and ensure consistent, evidence-based care in critical medical situations like heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest. Brown also accelerated research and innovation, including the Go Red for Women Venture Fund®, which has invested $75 million in companies addressing gaps in women's heart and brain health. Overall, the American Heart Association has invested $6.1 billion in research since 1949.

Additionally, Brown mobilized lifesaving campaigns like the Nation of Lifesavers™ CPR education effort, aiming to double survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by 2030. The association trains approximately 22 million people annually in CPR and develops first aid and resuscitation guidelines used globally. Jagat Narula, M.D., Ph.D., president of the World Heart Federation, praised Brown's courage in facing dynamic healthcare challenges through evidence, compassion, and impact focus, noting she embodies the mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives and believes everyone deserves access to quality health care. For more information, visit https://www.heart.org.