Global music superstar Taylor Swift has made a personal $1 million contribution to the American Heart Association, honoring her father Scott Swift and supporting the fight against cardiovascular disease, which claims more lives in the United States than all cancers and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined. The donation will advance scientific research, strengthen prevention and treatment efforts, and expand access to life-saving care for every community.
Swift's gift carries significance beyond its financial value, according to Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "Her family's experience with cardiovascular disease is all too common, affecting nearly half of American adults," Brown said. "Her commitment to supporting her father will make so many others aware of the need to take their own heart health seriously, strengthen prevention efforts, and improve controllable risk factors - ultimately helping more people live longer, healthier lives."
The American Heart Association emphasizes that preventive care is essential for lifelong heart health, urging early attention to family history and major risk factors. Routine screenings help track blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, body weight, and lifestyle habits such as tobacco use, physical activity, and nutrition. Nearly 80% of heart disease can be prevented through consistent healthy behaviors, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, and effective stress management.
Swift previously discussed her family's experience with cardiovascular disease on the New Heights Podcast. Stories like hers offer strength, connection and healing for others facing similar challenges. The American Heart Association provides a free online platform, the Support Network, where patients, survivors and caregivers can share their experiences and support one another. This peer-led community gives voice to every journey with the nation's leading cause of death, helping build resilience and hope.
Supporting the American Heart Association helps drive meaningful, long-term improvements in heart health. The Association fights cardiovascular disease by funding research, educating the public, training millions in CPR, setting medical guidelines, advocating for health policies, and running programs that expand access to care and promote healthy habits, especially in underserved areas. These systemic efforts are critical as risk factors like high blood pressure and obesity continue to rise.
According to American Heart Association projections, within 30 years, at least 6 in 10 Americans are expected to have cardiovascular disease. The work being done today is essential to altering that trajectory and changing the future of health for everyone everywhere. "Taylor has long been associated with the symbol of heart hands," Brown noted. "At the American Heart Association, we proudly use that same gesture to honor all who have been affected - our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses and so many others. My hope is that together we can raise our collective heart hands and drive meaningful change against this disease, shaping a healthier future for generations to come."
