Recommended Heart Disease Websites
American Heart Association (AHA) This is the official website of the American Heart Association, with links to the American Stroke Association (http://strokeassociation.org), a division of the AHA. The "Heart and Stroke A-Z Guide" provides a broad spectrum of information, including warnings signs for heart disease and stroke, an easy-to-use reference guide, a legislative action package, family health information (nutrition, exercise, children, programs or books), risk awareness for patients, scientific and professional information, solicitation options for volunteers, local AHA chapters, and donations. There is information on everything from scientific guidelines to training guides to ads for the Jump Rope for Heart program or The American Heart Walk. Of special note are the public advocacy pages with legislative priorities. Sponsorship is clear, content is factual, and policy briefs are clearly identified as such.
Congenital Heart Information Network This site provides high-quality information for children and adults with congenital heart disease, their families, and health professionals. It is an international organization that aims to provide reliable information, support, and research to families of children with congenital and acquired heart disease, adults with congenital heart defects, and professionals who work with them. Proudly subscribing to the HON code, it has won so many awards it includes a special link to list them. Elements include portraits of patients, a teen lounge area, local chapter links, email options, and lists for family support.
Heart Information Network The Center for Cardiovascular Education is affiliated with this site. It is an independent, educational site that provides a wide range of information and services to heart patients and others interested in learning about lowering risk factors for heart disease.
March of Dimes Birth Defects The March of Dimes Foundation sponsors this site, which focuses on birth defects with emphasis on congenital heart disease. An array of information is provided from fact sheets, health statistics, research centers, support groups, programs, local chapters (searchable by ZIP code), and the organization's national ambassador program.
Mayo Clinic Heart Center Experts of the Mayo Clinic offer extensive information on coronary artery disease, preventing heart disease, high blood pressure,circulatory problems, and methods of treatment and prevention. Selecting Heart & Blood Vessels under Condition Centers or Diseases & Conditions A-Z provides links to qualitative information and further links. The site fosters taking charge of one's health via scorecards, planners, etc.
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Part of the CDC, this agency's purpose is to enable people in an increasingly diverse society to lead long, healthy, satisfying lives. Since heart disease and stroke are the first and third leading causes of death in the United States, cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and health promotion programs are major priorities. The Cardiovascular Health page provides international, national, and state-level programs, along with statistical information and fact sheets. In 1998, the CDC received funding for states to develop comprehensive cardiovascular health programs; this agency coordinates these efforts.
National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) NCHS is the federal government's principal agency for vital statistics and health statistics. A search for data on heart disease retrieved more than 2,100 primary statistical documents. It is the source for health statistics, surveys, and analysis. With legislative authority and mandates, it now also provides advice and information alerts for individuals. Internet users can now sign up for specific email discussion lists to stay current with new statistical information on heart disease.
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Part of NIH, this agency provides leadership for a national program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung and blood, blood resources, and sleep disorders. Since October 1997 it also has administrative responsibilities for the NIH Woman's Health Initiative. The site provides an array of basic and specific heart and vascular disease information, covering topics such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity, and offers resources for Latino users. A lengthy list of the agency's reports and scientific documents is available, and the agency maintains its own database of clinical trials and studies seeking patients.
NOAH: New York Online Access to Health Although this site covers a broad range of health topics, the heart disease and stroke pages are so extensive they must be included on this list. The table of contents for this section alone is 12 printed pages. In addition to basic information, care, and treatment, the site includes AHA state chapters and Heart links, a Mended Hearts support group, hospital ratings of cardiac units nationwide, and capabilities for the blind or the visually handicapped to use the site.
Source:
Medical Library Association