Charles River, American Heart Association Partner to Advance Cardiovascular Health Awareness

Charles River Laboratories International Inc. has partnered with the American Heart Association to support cardiovascular disease awareness, prevention, and community health initiatives.

Through this collaboration, Charles River will support the American Heart Association’s Heart of Boston campaign, helping drive efforts to improve health outcomes across Greater Boston and the country.

“New data from the American Heart Association shows that cardiovascular disease continues to take an enormous toll on families and communities,” said Kristen Eisenhauer, Chief Commercial Officer, Charles River. “We are proud to support the prevention, education, and science-driven efforts needed to help sustain progress and improve cardiovascular health worldwide.”

The joint effort comes at a critical time for public health. According to the American Heart Association’s recently released 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, while stroke is now the fourth-leading cause of death. Together, heart disease and stroke account for more than one in four U.S. deaths, despite recent improvements in overall cardiovascular mortality.

While the latest data shows a decline in total cardiovascular deaths following years of increases associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Heart Association’s update underscores persistent risk factors across the population, including high rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. These findings highlight the continued need for education, research, and public-private partnerships to advance long-term cardiovascular health.

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