Model of a human heart

Heart Disease and Cardiovascular Resources for Patients and Families

condition

Media Type

Online Resource

Reviewed Date

Sep 22, 2025

Body

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to heart attack. You can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medicine. Below you will find resources for education, support, and research.

The American Heart Association
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide. Even when those conditions don’t result in death, they cause disability and diminish quality of life. The AHA wants to see a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.  The comprehensive site covers cardiac health topics, caregiver support, healthy eating and lifestyle tips.
Phone: 800.242.8721

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.  The CDC website has much information about heart disease including information on risk and prevention, statistics and maps, and local resources.  
Phone: 800.232.4636

Children’s Heart Foundation
The foundation’s mission is to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects (CHD) by funding the most promising research.  The website includes information about different types of CHDs.  Also available is a free book and documentary on living with CHD
Phone: 847.634.6474

Mended Hearts
Mended Hearts is a national and community-based non-profit organization that has been offering the gift of hope to heart disease patients, their families and caregivers. To offer this hope Mended Hearts provides a variety of programs including the largest peer-to-peer heart patient support network in the world. Mended Hearts provides education, support and hope to all types of heart patients and their families.
Phone: 888.432.7899

MyLVAD
The mission At MyLVAD is to help improve the quality of life and outcomes for people living in the LVAD world. We hope to provide information, support, direction, and inspiration for those who live with LVADs.
No phone number listed

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Through the NIH, The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides global leadership for a research, training, and education program to promote the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, and blood disorders and enhance the health of all individuals so that they can live longer and more fulfilling lives. 
Phone: 877.645.2448

Seconds Count
SecondsCount.org promotes healthy hearts, one family at a time. When patients and their families are educated about cardiovascular health, they are better prepared to navigate the medical system and actively participate in their care. 
Phone: 800.992.7224

Women Heart Foundation
The Women Heart Foundation is a 501c3 dedicated to prevention, survival and quality of life. WHF accomplishes its mission through education and advocacy. We support prevention projects and promote The Gender Care Initiative® to achieve excellence of care of women. 
Phone: 609.771.9600

World Heart Federation
The World Heart Federation is the principal representative body for the global cardiovascular community, representing more than 200 heart foundations, scientific societies, civil society and patient organizations from over 100 countries.  Through its official relationship with the World Health Organization, the World Heart Federation leads the global advocacy effort for action to prevent, control and reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease. 
Phone: +41.22.807.03.20

Zoll LIFE Vest - Wearable Defibrillator Patient Education Video
The ZOLL LifeVest patient education video explains how the wearable defibrillator works and guides patients, families, and caregivers through setup, daily use, maintenance, and responding to alerts. It’s designed for individuals prescribed the LifeVest to help prevent sudden cardiac death and ensure safe, effective use of the device. 
Phone: 800.543.3267

This content is for informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive. Information contained does not imply an endorsement from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.  See here for further details. © Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago). Henry B. Betts LIFE Center – (312) 238-5433

 

 

Latest Updates

view all