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Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Two decades of progress in heart failure care
( NewMediaWire ) - May 22, 2025 - DALLAS — Hospitalized heart failure patients in the United States are living longer and receiving more optimized evidence-based care, according to new research drawn from nearly two decades of data in the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines(R) - Heart Failure registry. Launched in 2005, the Get With The Guidelines - Heart Failure program was created to improve care for people hospitalized with heart failure, a condition that led to the death of about one in three patients within a year. Today, more than 600 hospitals across the country are part of this effort to save lives. The program has helped close persistent care gaps through data-driven benchmarking, hospital toolkits, workshops, webinars and recognition programs, all aimed at accelerating adoption of evidence-based guideline-recommended therapies. 'The Get With The Guidelines program continues to be a cornerstone for improving heart failure care,' said Sabra Lewsey, M.D., MPH, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association's Heart Failure Systems of Care Committee and assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine. 'Its impact on long-term survival demonstrates how quality improvement efforts can transform patient trajectories.' The research manuscript, published in Circulation: Heart Failure, details how hospitals engaged in the program consistently outperform peers on heart failure process measures and patient outcomes, even after adjusting for variables like hospital size and geographic region. Notably, lower 30-day risk-standardized mortality rates at participating hospitals correlate with significantly better long-term survival for people with heart failure. Insights from the program have helped shape modern understanding of the disease. Among other findings, Get With The Guidelines - Heart Failure data challenged longstanding assumptions that individuals with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction had more favorable prognoses — a discovery that spurred new lines of clinical investigation and public health strategy. Despite measurable progress, challenges remain. 'Heart failure mortality is still too high, and far too few people receive the full benefit of available, evidence-based therapies,' said Gregg Fonarow, M.D., FAHA, longtime American Heart Association volunteer who helped to establish the program. Fonarow is also interim chief of the division of cardiology, director of the Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center, co-director of the Preventative Cardiology Program and the Eliot Corday Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine and Science at the University of California, Los Angeles. 'This legacy quality improvement program improves the health care landscape for heart failure and serves as a guidepost for other cardiovascular and stroke conditions.' The research authors note that Get With The Guidelines - Heart Failure registry remains a robust engine for future research, now with more than 170 peer-reviewed publications, nearly half of which appear in high-impact journals. 'This program is no longer a data repository but a nexus for outcomes sciences, data science, and implementation science, all of which now drive innovations in personalized care, inform national policy, and strengthen hospital systems across the country,' said Clyde W. Yancy, M.D., FAHA, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association (2009–2010) and chief of cardiology in the department of medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago. Yancy was also instrumental is championing the development of the Get With The Guidelines program. Additional Resources: ### Statements and conclusions of studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Association's overall financial information are available here. About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173 Michelle Rosenfeld: 214-706-1099; [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
PREVENT equation accurately estimated 10-year CVD risk and those with calcium buildup
Research Highlights: The American Heart Association's PREVENTTM risk calculator accurately identified participants who had calcium buildup in their heart arteries and those who had a higher future heart attack risk, in an analysis of about 7,000 adults in New York City referred for heart disease screening. The PREVENT scores also predicted future heart attack risk. Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Wednesday, May 21, 2025 (NewMediaWire) - May 21, 2025 - DALLAS The PREVENTTM risk calculator helped to identify people with plaque buildup in the arteries of the heart, in addition to predicting their risk of a future heart attack, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association. In addition, when combining PREVENT and a coronary calcium score, risk prediction was further improved, with patients with the highest risk of heart attack matched the group of participants who had a heart attack during the follow-up period. "These findings are important because when we can better predict a patient's risk of heart attack, we can also tailor care and determine who may benefit from treatment to prevent a heart attack, such as cholesterol-lowering medications," said corresponding author Morgan Grams, M.D., Ph.D., the Susan and Morris Mark Professor of Medicine and Population Health at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. The PREVENT (Predicting Risk of cardiovascular disease EVENTs) risk calculator, released by the American Heart Association in 2023, can estimate 10-year and 30-year risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure or all three in adults as young as age 30. PREVENT factors in age, blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, Type 2 diabetes status, social determinants of health, smoking and kidney function to estimate future risk of heart attack, stroke or heart failure. One tool for screening heart health is coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), a non-invasive imaging test that visualizes plaque buildup in the heart's arteries. From the CCTA, patients are given a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, which helps to inform decisions about heart disease prevention and treatment, including when it may be appropriate to prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications. In this study, researchers investigated whether the PREVENT score matched the level of calcium buildup according to the CAC score. In addition, they used the PREVENT risk assessment and coronary artery calcium scores, separately and in combination, to predict future heart attack risk and assessed the accuracy of each with the participants who had a heart attack during the follow-up period. They reviewed electronic health records for nearly 7,000 adults who had had CCTA screening at NYU Langone Health in New York City between 2010 and 2024. The analysis found that for all participants: The PREVENT tool-estimated risk of a heart attack was low (less than 5%) for 43.6% of patients; mildly elevated (5%-7.5%) for 15.8% of the participants; moderately increased (7.5%-20%) for 34.4.%; and high (more than 20%) for 6.2% of people in the study. PREVENT scores were directly correlated with CAC scores, meaning those who had high PREVENT scores, indicating a higher risk of heart attack, matched the group who had higher CAC scores. PREVENT risk ranked as low-to-mildly elevated was associated with CAC of less than or equal to 1, which indicates low risk of heart attack. PREVENT risk ranked as moderate-high was associated with participants who had a CAC score higher than 100, which indicates moderate-to-high risk of heart attack. Researchers then added the CAC score to the PREVENT tool to calculate risk of future heart attack, and, together, they more accurately identified the participants who were at higher risk and who had a heart attack during the follow-up period. "The findings illustrate that PREVENT is accurate in identifying people who may have subclinical risk for cardiovascular disease, meaning blocked arteries before symptoms develop," said Grams. "This study used a real-world set of patients, so our findings are important in shaping future guidelines on the use of the PREVENT calculator and coronary computed tomography angiography." Study co-author and American Heart Association volunteer expert Sadiya Khan, M.D., MSc., FAHA, said the CAC score can help classify risk for heart disease by analyzing calcium buildup. "CT scans to evaluate for coronary calcium and extent of coronary artery calcium buildup may be useful when patients are uncertain if they want to start lipid-lowering therapy or if lipid-lowering therapy should be intensified. We have so many tools in our armamentarium for reducing risk of heart attack, we want to be able to optimize treatments for patients, and especially those with higher risk," said Khan, who chaired the writing group for the Association's 2023 Scientific Statement announcing PREVENT, Novel Prediction Equations for Absolute Risk Assessment of Total Cardiovascular Disease Incorporating Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health. Study details, background and design: More than 9 million electronic health records at NYU Langone Health in New York City were reviewed and included adults who had coronary computed tomography angiography performed between 2010 and 2024. Participants in this analysis included 6,961 adults between the ages of 30 and 79 years with no history of heart disease. Their average age was 57.5 years; 53% were women, and 77% were noted in the electronic health records as white adults. Participants' CAC scores were compared to the PREVENT scores calculated based on data in the electronic health records including demographics, vital signs, laboratory values and coexisting conditions. Participants who had a heart attack were noted according to the standard ICD-10 diagnosis codes in the electronic health records. Overall, there were 485 heart attacks during the average of 1.2 years of follow-up. Investigators evaluated the accuracy of using PREVENT or CAC score vs. both PREVENT and CAC combined to predict heart attack risk and compared this to data for patients with an ICD-10 code for heart attack. The study had several limitations, including that patients were screened at a single institution and the majority of participants were noted as white, so the findings may not be generalizable to other people. The analysis only included people who had undergone coronary calcium screening, and electronic health records were the sole source of data. In addition, the follow-up time was short at 1.2 years, and the presence of non-calcified plaque in the heart's arteries was not assessed. Finally, the study may overestimate the prevalence of coronary artery calcium in low-risk people since participants in this study were referred for CCTA/CAC score by a health care professional, which means they may have more heart disease risk factors than the general population. Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript. Studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: Multimedia is available on the right column of release link. After May 21, 2025, view the manuscript online. AHA news release: New scientific research will test PREVENT risk calculator among diverse groups (Feb. 2024) AHA news release: Leading cardiologists reveal new heart disease risk calculator (Nov. 2023) Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews Follow news from the Journal of the American Heart Association @JAHA_AHA ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173 Bridgette McNeill: For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
PREVENT equation accurately estimated 10-year CVD risk and those with calcium buildup
Research Highlights: Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Wednesday, May 21, 2025 ( NewMediaWire ) - May 21, 2025 - DALLAS — The PREVENTTM risk calculator helped to identify people with plaque buildup in the arteries of the heart, in addition to predicting their risk of a future heart attack, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association. In addition, when combining PREVENT and a coronary calcium score, risk prediction was further improved, with patients with the highest risk of heart attack matched the group of participants who had a heart attack during the follow-up period. 'These findings are important because when we can better predict a patient's risk of heart attack, we can also tailor care and determine who may benefit from treatment to prevent a heart attack, such as cholesterol-lowering medications,' said corresponding author Morgan Grams, M.D., Ph.D., the Susan and Morris Mark Professor of Medicine and Population Health at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. The PREVENT (Predicting Risk of cardiovascular disease EVENTs) risk calculator, released by the American Heart Association in 2023, can estimate 10-year and 30-year risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure or all three in adults as young as age 30. PREVENT factors in age, blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, Type 2 diabetes status, social determinants of health, smoking and kidney function to estimate future risk of heart attack, stroke or heart failure. One tool for screening heart health is coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), a non-invasive imaging test that visualizes plaque buildup in the heart's arteries. From the CCTA, patients are given a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, which helps to inform decisions about heart disease prevention and treatment, including when it may be appropriate to prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications. In this study, researchers investigated whether the PREVENT score matched the level of calcium buildup according to the CAC score. In addition, they used the PREVENT risk assessment and coronary artery calcium scores, separately and in combination, to predict future heart attack risk and assessed the accuracy of each with the participants who had a heart attack during the follow-up period. They reviewed electronic health records for nearly 7,000 adults who had had CCTA screening at NYU Langone Health in New York City between 2010 and 2024. The analysis found that for all participants: 'The findings illustrate that PREVENT is accurate in identifying people who may have subclinical risk for cardiovascular disease, meaning blocked arteries before symptoms develop,' said Grams. 'This study used a real-world set of patients, so our findings are important in shaping future guidelines on the use of the PREVENT calculator and coronary computed tomography angiography.' Study co-author and American Heart Association volunteer expert Sadiya Khan, M.D., MSc., FAHA, said the CAC score can help classify risk for heart disease by analyzing calcium buildup. 'CT scans to evaluate for coronary calcium and extent of coronary artery calcium buildup may be useful when patients are uncertain if they want to start lipid-lowering therapy or if lipid-lowering therapy should be intensified. We have so many tools in our armamentarium for reducing risk of heart attack, we want to be able to optimize treatments for patients, and especially those with higher risk,' said Khan, who chaired the writing group for the Association's 2023 Scientific Statement announcing PREVENT, Novel Prediction Equations for Absolute Risk Assessment of Total Cardiovascular Disease Incorporating Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health. Study details, background and design: The study had several limitations, including that patients were screened at a single institution and the majority of participants were noted as white, so the findings may not be generalizable to other people. The analysis only included people who had undergone coronary calcium screening, and electronic health records were the sole source of data. In addition, the follow-up time was short at 1.2 years, and the presence of non-calcified plaque in the heart's arteries was not assessed. Finally, the study may overestimate the prevalence of coronary artery calcium in low-risk people since participants in this study were referred for CCTA/CAC score by a health care professional, which means they may have more heart disease risk factors than the general population. Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript. Studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173 Bridgette McNeill: [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
People with critical cardiovascular disease may benefit from palliative care
Statement Highlights: Embargoed until 4:00 a.m. CT/5:00 a.m. ET Thursday, May 15, 2025 ( NewMediaWire ) - May 15, 2025 - DALLAS — Palliative care may help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for people with cardiovascular disease and ensure that treatment is aligned with the patient's personal beliefs and values throughout all stages of illness, whether they are hospitalized in a cardiac intensive care unit or receiving outpatient care, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published today in the Association's flagship, peer-reviewed journal Circulation. The new scientific statement, 'Palliative and End-of-Life Care During Critical Cardiovascular Illness,' suggests strategies to integrate palliative care principles into the management of patients with critical cardiovascular illness. Palliative care aims to improve quality of life; to minimize physical, emotional and spiritual distress; to facilitate complex discussions regarding prognosis and goals of care; and to provide emotional and psychosocial support to patients, family members and caregivers throughout all stages of illness, not just at the end of life. Currently, palliative care is most widely used caring for patients with cancer. 'We need to better understand the benefits of palliative care in a broad range of cardiovascular conditions and particularly for patients with acute, critical illness,' said volunteer Chair of the scientific statement writing group Erin A. Bohula, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and critical care cardiologist at Brigham & Women's Hospital, both in Boston. 'People with a variety of heart conditions face increasing symptoms, functional limitations and a need to align care with their personal preferences, beliefs and values – whether that's to do everything possible or to prioritize comfort and quality of life. A patient-centered approach needs to be considered, particularly when making decisions about available and sometimes invasive care options as their condition advances.' Palliative care for specific cardiovascular conditions The statement authors emphasize that palliative care can be provided in addition to evidence-based treatments at any stage of a person's illness, from intensive care to outpatient care. However, providing palliative care for cardiovascular disease can be challenging because the progression of the illness can be unpredictable, and there may be sudden, urgent situations requiring hospitalization and/or admission to the cardiac intensive care unit. These can result in new symptoms such as loss in physical function and may lead to unexpected end-of-life situations that necessitate more intensive support from cardiology and palliative care professionals. In addition, many patients admitted to cardiac intensive care units are older (with a median age of 65 years), more frail and critically ill, with advanced and complex cardiovascular conditions, and they may also have multiple non-cardiac conditions. Palliative care health professionals need to be knowledgeable about the medical prognosis and quick decision-making required in cardiac intensive care units, including the management of life-sustaining technologies and advanced cardiac interventions. Palliative care can be integrated into care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with different types of cardiovascular disease: Accessibility challenges and ethical considerations Despite the growing evidence about the benefits of palliative care, many people with cardiovascular disease have limited access to palliative care specialists. Rates of referral to palliative care for patients with cardiovascular disease are low and often delayed compared to patients with cancer. Due to delayed referrals and the scarcity of palliative care resources, it can be difficult for individuals with cardiovascular disease to access outpatient palliative care. Inpatient palliative care services may also be limited in settings outside of large hospitals. The statement suggests integrating palliative care services into heart failure clinics and post-discharge services for patients recently hospitalized in the cardiac intensive care unit, creating a transition from inpatient to outpatient care. There are also complex ethical considerations for patients with advanced cardiovascular disease, particularly in relation to life-sustaining interventions. Medical codes of ethics emphasize promoting patient well-being, avoiding harm and respecting patient autonomy; however, these can sometimes seem at odds in the setting of the cardiac intensive care unit or treating a patient with end-stage cardiovascular disease. For example, deactivating the shocking function of an implanted cardiac defibrillator may increase the risk of death if a fatal arrhythmia occurs, while at the same time minimizing a patient's pain by avoiding the delivery of multiple shocks. A separate, recently published American Heart Association scientific statement on palliative care and advanced cardiovascular disease highlights the importance of shared decision-making involving the patient and family as the disease progresses. When a patient's symptoms become more severe and difficult to manage, discussions about changing or discontinuing certain treatments may be necessary based on the patient's personal preferences, quality of life, prognosis and advanced care documents. Education for cardiovascular specialists While palliative care is not a recognized subspecialty of cardiology, its approaches can be offered by cardiovascular clinicians with specialized training in palliative care and in consultation with palliative care specialists. However, only a small fraction of health care professionals who complete a cardiology fellowship receive either required or elective training in palliative care. The scientific statement identifies several basic palliative care competencies needed by cardiovascular specialists: 'It is critical that all cardiac intensive care unit and acute care professionals have the tools and knowledge to provide the basic tenets of palliative care, such as symptom management and ensuring that care is appropriate and aligns with the patient's personal choices. As the field of cardiac critical care advances, incorporating palliative care principles ensures a holistic approach to providing care and addressing the complex needs of these patients during a health care crisis or at the end-of-life,' said Bohula. This scientific statement was prepared by the volunteer writing group on behalf of the American Heart Association Acute Cardiac Care and General Cardiology Committee of the Council on Clinical Cardiology, and the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing. American Heart Association scientific statements promote greater awareness about cardiovascular diseases and stroke issues and help facilitate informed health care decisions. Scientific statements outline what is currently known about a topic and what areas need additional research. While scientific statements inform the development of guidelines, they do not make treatment recommendations. American Heart Association guidelines provide the Association's official clinical practice recommendations. Co-authors are Vice-Chair Abdulla A. Damluji, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., FAHA; Michael J. Landzberg, M.D.; Venu Menon, M.D., FAHA; Carlos L. Alviar, M.D.; Gregory W. Barsness, M.D., FAHA; Daniela Crousillat, M.D.; Nelia Jain, M.D., M.A.; Robert Page II, Pharm.D., M.S.P.H., FAHA; and Rachel Wells, Ph.D., M.S.N. Authors' disclosures are listed in the manuscript. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173 Amanda Ebert: [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
35 schools nationwide join NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play to support youth health and well-being
( NewMediaWire ) - May 13, 2025 - DALLAS — According to the American Heart Association, physical inactivity in childhood is a major risk factor for developing coronary artery disease and stroke, as well as cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. To inspire youth to get physically active, the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, and the National Football League (NFL) bring a new NFL PLAY 60(TM) resource to schools to close out the 2024-2025 academic year. Day of Play is an immersive experience focused on fitness, fun and education all with the goal of helping students move more and, ultimately, live longer and healthier lives as they build healthy habits. Nationwide, 35 schools have been named official Day of Play schools representing the NFL club in their local markets. Three of these schools, representing the NFL tentpole event markets of Super Bowl LIX (New Orleans), Super Bowl LX (San Francisco Bay Area) and the 2025 NFL Draft (Green Bay), also received grants of $2,500 to support their Day of Play activation. Day of Play delivers an immersive day of fun and movement to encourage increased daily physical activity, which can positively impact overall mental and physical wellness, an essential element to help children reach their full potential. 'Kids need fun, interactive and confidence-building experiences that are memorable and instill a culture of health from the early days of their lives. For nearly 20 years, the work of the American Heart Association and the NFL has helped deliver that to kids through NFL PLAY 60,' said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. 'My gratitude goes out to the educators and caregivers who understand the value NFL PLAY 60 programming brings and are committed to the long-term health of their students.' The 35 NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play schools will activate between now and June 2025 at a date of each school's selection. The schools all received a Day of Play activation guide and an official NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play interactive kit—featuring footballs, fitness dice and heart-health challenges—that can be used to transform the school into a movement zone, ensuring every child finds a way to engage in physical activity. Students participating will have the opportunity to move through various activities, games, challenges and exercise content and receive edutainment about heart health. The experience aims to make health and well-being fun and relatable and create a memorable day that inspires students to take charge of their health. The Day of Play schools and their associated NFL teams are: The three schools receiving Day of Play grants are 'The NFL is committed to providing children with the resources needed to grow up happy and healthy,' said NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson. 'The NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play event with the American Heart Association is a powerful way to bring that mission to life, giving youth across the country the opportunity to get moving and learn more about the importance of physical activity.' Beyond these 35, any school can bring the Day of Play experience to their students by downloading the free Day of Play activation guide. The guide includes exercise video content, ideas for games, challenges and contests, along with heart-health video modules and physical activity ideas. In addition to Day of Play, NFL PLAY 60 supports students' physical and mental health through the NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Breaks, 15-minute broadcasts that gets students up and moving along with the NFL at key times throughout the year — season kickoff, Super Bowl and NFL Draft. The NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Library features two-to-three minute on-demand exercise videos from each of the 32 NFL teams featuring players, NFL legends, cheerleaders and mascots. Lastly, the NFL PLAY 60 app, free and available for iOS and Android devices, allows users to select their favorite team and control personalized avatars onscreen with their own physical movement. Users can create custom workouts and earn special PLAY points to unlock cool NFL gear for on-screen PLAY 60 avatars. Rooted in American Heart Association science, the NFL PLAY 60 initiative helps children to develop healthy habits for a better chance of a healthy adulthood. The program encourages kids to get a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity each day to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity are key to immediate and long-term health for children. The NFL and the American Heart Association have been teaming up since 2006 to inspire kids through fun and engaging ways to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. The impact of physical activity on overall mental and physical wellness is essential to help children grow to reach their full potential. Information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and additional engagement opportunities can be found online at Additional Resources: ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. About NFL PLAY 60 NFL PLAY 60 is the League's national youth health and wellness platform. Heading into its 19th season, the initiative empowers millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day by supporting programs and resources to help kids everywhere lead a healthy lifestyle. Alongside the NFL's 32 NFL clubs and partners, the PLAY 60 movement continues to serve and motivate the next generation of youth to get active and PLAY 60. For more information, visit For Media Inquiries: American Heart Association: Linzy Cotaya, [email protected] National Football League: Ian Martin, [email protected] Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
