The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is: "Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke."

The mission statement was updated by the American Heart Association during its Annual Meeting in April 2007. The mission statement undergoes a formal review process every third year.

The association's impact goal is to reduce coronary heart disease, stroke and risk by 25 percent by 2010. Progress toward the goal will be measured according to these indicators:

• Reduce the death rate from coronary heart disease and stroke by 25 percent. 
• Reduce the prevalence of smoking, high blood cholesterol and physical inactivity by 25 percent.
• Reduce the rate of uncontrolled high blood pressure by 25 percent. 
• Eliminate the growth of obesity and diabetes.