The World Heart Federation (WHF) will honor Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award during 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 on a global scale.
The World Heart Federation, consisting of more than 200 heart foundations, scientific societies and patient organizations spanning more than 100 countries, cited Brown's visionary leadership, global partnerships and unwavering commitment to improving the future of health as transformative in the fight against cardiovascular disease—the world's leading cause of death. Jagat Narula, M.D., Ph.D., president of the World Heart Federation, stated that Brown is known worldwide for her courage to face dynamic healthcare challenges through evidence, compassion and impact focus.
Under Brown's leadership since 2008, the American Heart Association has advanced lifesaving science, innovation and advocacy across more than 100 countries through groundbreaking quality improvement initiatives, scientific collaboration and community-based interventions. Her accomplishments include launching global quality improvement programs from concept to robust implementation through initiatives like Get With The Guidelines and American Heart Association certification programs in the United States, Mexico, Latin America, India and parts of Asia.
These programs help measure and ensure consistent, evidence-based care in time-sensitive medical situations like heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest. Brown also accelerated research and innovation, including the Go Red for Women Venture Fund® which invested $75 million in companies addressing gaps in women's heart and brain health. Overall, the Heart Association has invested $6.1 billion in research since 1949.
Additionally, Brown mobilized lifesaving campaigns including the Association's CPR education effort known as the Nation of Lifesavers™, which aims to double survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by 2030. The Heart Association trains approximately 22 million people annually in CPR and develops first aid and resuscitation guidelines used globally. Brown expressed that the recognition reflects the dedication of volunteers, supporters and staff worldwide who power the American Heart Association's mission daily.
