The American Heart Association (AHA) is a nonprofit organization in the United States that funds cardiovascular medical research. AHA formed in New York City in 1924 as the Association for the Prevention and Relief of Heart Disease by six cardiologists as a professional society for doctors. AHA educates the community on healthy living and promote appropriate cardiac care in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke. In 1948, the association transformed from a professional scientific society to a nationwide voluntary health organization composed of volunteers, and supported by professional staff. Since then, the AHA has grown rapidly into an organization of more than 33 million volunteers and supporters around the world dedicated to improving heart health and reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases.