Connecticut

Written by Linda Heidorn. “Life was busy. Full. The kind of busy where you keep going because that’s what you do. Then came a strange pressure. Nothing dramatic. Nothing that screamed emergency. Just uncomfortable. Easy to explain away. Stress made sense. Being tired made sense. A heart problem did not.  There was a lot of … Read more

Dr. Stewart joins the American Heart Association in engaging companies in Eastern Connecticut to create a community of lifesavers According to the American Heart Association, 9 in 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die, and more than half don’t receive bystander CPR. CPR — especially if performed immediately — can double … Read more

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, yet less than half of women are aware of this. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has been championing change in Greater New Haven through its Go Red for Women® reception. This empowering event, part … Read more

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement urges Connecticut to join the fight against the No. 1 killer of women Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. On Friday, February 6, National Wear Red Day®, people and landmarks across the nation will “go red” to raise awareness … Read more

The American Heart Association and the National Football League award grants nationwide to help promote healthier schools Physical activity is vital to American students’ physical health and emotional well-being, helping them learn, concentrate and manage stress throughout the school day, yet most youth are not getting enough movement. According to the American Heart Association, only … Read more

The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, has been awarded a $250,000 grant through The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund by The Cigna Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI). This funding will strengthen community-based programs designed to reduce long-standing … Read more

Hartford HealthCare joins the American Heart Association in engaging residents to create a community of lifesavers with a Hands-Only CPR Mobile Kiosk According to the American Heart Association, 9 in 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die, and more than half don’t receive bystander CPR. CPR — especially if performed immediately … Read more

We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Leigh Pechillo, a remarkable woman whose life was defined by compassion, service, and an unwavering commitment to others. Leigh had a rare gift for transforming care into action. From her first days of wheeling patients to their car at the local hospital as a teen to … Read more

Caroline Wilke to chair the American Heart Association’s Greater Hartford 2026 Go Red for Women initiative Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women both in Connecticut and across the United States. To combat this issue, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is … Read more

Dear Friends and Supporters, As we celebrate 101 years of impact, the transformative power of our work is evident — improving, extending and saving lives both globally and right here in Connecticut. This year, the American Heart Association in Connecticut has much to be proud of. While our mission remains steadfast, this has been a … Read more

My name is Liz Cornish and I am a physical therapist and certified senior advisor. I have worked with hundreds of people who have had strokes and know the signs of stroke but on September 23, 2024, my life changed in an instant – where everything happened just as it was supposed to. You might … Read more

The American Heart Association, committed to creating a world of healthier lives for all, proudly announces Pat Srenaski of Woodbury as the recipient of the 2025 Greater Hartford Healthy for Good™ Lifestyle Change Award, sponsored by Stanley Black & Decker. This award celebrates individuals who have made significant strides in improving their health and well-being. Pat Srenaski embodies the … Read more

The American Heart Association, the largest voluntary health organization fighting cardiovascular diseases, announces Garrett Sheehan, president & CEO Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce as honorary chairman of the Greater New Haven Heart Walk. The annual Heart Walk will now take place in the fall on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Hubbard Park, Meriden, Conn. … Read more

Regina Mosely recognized for her leadership and innovation in advancing rural public health across Connecticut The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, has named Regina Mosely of New London the National HeartCorps Member of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes Mosely’s outstanding contributions to improving public … Read more

Two new members added with long-term board members recognized for their contributions The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, announces new leadership and board members to its Connecticut Board of Directors. Hardik Amin, MD, Hartford HealthCare, co-director, Comprehensive Stroke Center, Hartford Hospital, began serving a two-year term as president of … Read more

The American Heart Association working to turn bystanders into lifesavers with Nation of Lifesavers™ campaign The American Heart Association is proud to announce that the Greater New Haven Heart Walk will now take place in the fall, bringing with it an exciting new focus as part of the Nation of Lifesavers™ campaign. The October 2025 … Read more

45 Schools receive blood pressure kits as part of American Heart Association initiative The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is improving health outcomes in greater Hartford with a new initiative, the Heart Health Matters program. The recently launched program is providing blood pressure monitoring … Read more

My heart story really began in 2011. Despite the fact that I have been an athlete and ate healthily my entire life, at age 49 my left anterior descending artery – known as the widow maker – was fully blocked and required a stent. I attended cardiac rehab and continued to be active by swimming … Read more

The American Heart Association, devotedto changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, recently announced Laura Terranova of Milford as the 2025 Healthy For Good™ Lifestyle Change Award winner. The New Haven Lifestyle Change Award, sponsored by Hello Heart, recognizes an individual who has made positive changes to improve the quality of … Read more

Dr. Meghana Rao Brito of Yale New Haven Health, Yale School of Medicine, and Nicole DeMaio of Downes Construction named co-chairs of signature event  The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to world of healthier lives for all, is pleased to announce the co-chairs of the 2026 Greater New Haven Go Red for … Read more

Spring has finally arrived! This season brings a sense of renewal and what better way to refresh your approach to health than stroke prevention. Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability but fear not – making minor lifestyle changes can lower your risk more than you think!  Out with the Old, In with … Read more

My health crisis journey began on a lovely summer morning on June 27, 2019. It is a day that I now call the beginning of my “new life.” I was at a point in my life where I was happy and full of hope. My children were grown up and doing well. I was dating … Read more

American Heart Month focuses on raising awareness about cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease. Our No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease, unfairly targets women. We have been left out of research, testing, treatment and funding. Fortunately, women have an amazing resource – each other. The American Heart Association utilizes this month to educate communities about heart … Read more

Heart Walk funds support research, advocacy, and promoting better health in Connecticut ­­­­HARTFORD — The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of saving and improving lives, announces Dr. Adam C. Steinberg, Hartford Hospital, Vice President of Medical Affairs will serve as Chair of the 2025 Greater Hartford Heart Walk. The annual Heart Walk will take … Read more

I’ve always been compelled to share my story as I want to help others –  even more so now that so many amazing people have helped me over the past year. Let me start at the beginning. I was only three days old when a heart murmur was discovered. Testing was done on my heart … Read more

As the busiest travel season of the year approaches, the American Heart Association has tips to ease travel worries for people living with health conditions like heart disease and stroke For people living with a health condition like heart disease or stroke, traveling away from home can pose some special challenges. The American Heart Association, … Read more

By learning and sharing the F.A.S.T. warning signs, you just might save a life from stroke World Stroke Day is celebrated globally on Oct. 29. This year the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is highlighting the importance of acting F.A.S.T. and stroke prevention. Strokes can happen to anyone, at any … Read more

Hartford Steam Boiler Vice President, IoT Solutions to chair the American Heart Association’s Greater Hartford 2025 Go Red for Women® movement Liz DeVito, Vice President, IoT Solutions for Hartford Steam Boiler will serve as the executive volunteer chair of the 2025 Greater Hartford Go Red for Women® movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades … Read more

Dear Friends, This past year has been an incredible journey. We commemorated 100 years filled with impactful transformations, sustainable growth, and life-saving progress. Our passionate staff, devoted board of directors, and selfless volunteers were dedicated to persistently addressing health inequalities, driving scientific progress, and promoting awareness in communities. What we do is vital to individuals … Read more

2025 STEMM event to benefit young girls to take place in March Cardiologist Joyce Oen-Hsiao, MD, director, Cardiac Rehabilitation Services, Yale New Haven Health Heart and Vascular Center, and associate professor of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, will serve as the executive volunteer chair of the 2025 Greater New Haven Go Red for Women® movement, … Read more

While working it can be tempting to reach for an unhealthy choice at lunchtime, especially in between meetings or on the go. But there are plenty of easy lunch alternatives that can benefit your heart. Packing Your Lunch Try to get in the habit of waking up 15 minutes early to pack your lunch. Throughout … Read more

Francine LoRusso of the Heart and Vascular Center, Yale New Haven Health named as Chair of the Connecticut Board of Directors The American Heart Association, celebrating a century of profound impact on heart health and well-being, announces new leadership and board members to its Connecticut Board of Directors. Francine LoRusso, Senior Vice President, Operations and … Read more

Sadie’s family stands with all families of heart warriors! “Your daughter needs heart surgery’ is never something a parent wants to hear or quite honestly expects to hear,” said Samantha Somero, Sadie’s mother.  Sadie will be honored as a Red Cap Ambassador at the Fairfield County Heart Walk on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Sherwood … Read more

Co-CEO, Adam and Hy Schwartz of S & S Worldwide to co-chair Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk The American Heart Association, the largest voluntary health organization fighting cardiovascular diseases, announces Adam Schwartz and Hy Schwartz, Co-CEO of S&S Worldwide, Inc. are serving as co-chairs of the Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk. The annual Heart Walk will take … Read more