American Heart Association Recognizes Over 3,000 Hospitals for Cardiovascular Care Excellence

The American Heart Association (AHA) has recognized more than 3,000 health care organizations nationwide for their commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by heart disease, stroke, and related conditions. These accolades, awarded through the AHA's Get With The Guidelines quality improvement programs, underscore a nationwide push to standardize care based on the latest evidence-based science. This recognition is particularly significant in Texas, where cardiovascular disease remains a leading health concern, and the state's hospitals are among those honored for their dedication to high-quality care.

Get With The Guidelines programs assist health care teams in applying the most recent scientific evidence to treatment decisions, ensuring that care is timely, consistent, and aligned with proven standards. Awards span clinical areas including stroke, heart failure, heart attack, cardiac arrest, Type 2 diabetes, and atrial fibrillation, with recognition levels from Bronze to Gold Plus based on performance and duration of achievement. In 2026, 222 hospitals received the Commitment to Quality award, a significant increase from 158 in the award's inaugural year last year. This award highlights organizations that demonstrate high performance across at least three clinical areas, reflecting a comprehensive approach to patient care.

“Improving outcomes for cardiovascular disease takes coordinated, high-quality care across the entire continuum,” said Karen Joynt-Maddox, M.D., MPH, volunteer chair of the AHA's Quality Oversight Committee. “The organizations recognized this year are applying the latest science, strengthening systems of care, and working together to ensure more patients receive the right treatment at the right time, every time.”

In addition to the Get With The Guidelines awards, the AHA recognized 624 agencies with Mission: Lifeline EMS awards for providing rapid, research-based care to individuals experiencing severe heart attacks and strokes. Furthermore, 47 sites received Mission: Lifeline Regional recognition for their commitment to collaborating with referring and receiving hospitals and EMS to establish a system of care based on up-to-date guidelines. These programs aim to reduce barriers to prompt treatment from the moment 911 is called through hospital discharge, which is critical for improving survival rates.

New this year is the Target: Aortic Stenosis Honor Roll, an initiative focused on improving detection and treatment of aortic stenosis, a common and often underdiagnosed heart valve disease affecting more than 1.7 million Americans over age 65. Without appropriate treatment, aortic stenosis can significantly impact survival and quality of life. Forty-one organizations received this recognition, with Edwards Lifesciences serving as the national sponsor.

Studies consistently show that following guideline-directed care helps patients recover faster, reduces complications, and lowers the risk of hospital readmission. The growing number of recognized organizations reflects continued momentum among health care teams to standardize care and reduce variation, ultimately improving patient outcomes. For a comprehensive list of recipients, visit U.S. News & World Report. To learn more about the AHA's quality improvement efforts, visit heart.org/quality.

This recognition serves as a testament to the dedication of health care providers across Texas and the nation, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care for cardiovascular conditions. As the leading cause of death in the United States, cardiovascular disease requires a relentless focus on quality improvement, and these awards highlight the organizations leading the way.