Every Heartbeat Matters – In Commerce and Beyond.
Empowering companies to save lives through heart health awareness.
Why Hearts of Commerce?
1 in 250 people has Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), yet 80% don't know it. Too many learn of HCM through the death of a loved one. Hearts of Commerce unites the eCommerce community to raise awareness, improve access to testing and AEDs, and eliminate stigmas surrounding heart disease. Together we can prevent sudden cardiac deaths and empower people to confront their heart health. Heart disease kills 1 in 5 Americans, but early detection saves lives.
During a routine physical exam my doctor found a heart murmur, which led to an echocardiogram. I was diagnosed with HCM and had been living with the symptoms for 20 years, advancing in heart failure with a diminished quality of life. My local cardiologist referred me to a an HCMA Center of Excellence, which happened to be within one hour of my home. I was able to become informed, get treatment, find support, and ultimately, found relief for my symptoms through open-heart surgery and novel specialized medication.
It is Important to Know...
These facts reveal why heart health can't be ignored. For companies, awareness and action isn't about showing compassion, it's about protecting employees, strengthening workplaces, and saving lives.
Heart disease: #1 killer in the USA
Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, claim more lives in the U.S. than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths – the #2 and #3 causes of death – combined.
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HCM: most common genetic heart disease, often undiagnosed
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy affects 1 in 250 humans. It often goes undiagnosed, with 80% of patients unaware they have it. HCM can cause sudden cardiac arrest, leading to sudden death.
Learn More
CPR & AED: Can triple survival in cardiac emergencies
Sudden cardiac arrest kills 350,000 Americans yearly. Bystander CPR and an AED on site can turn tragedy into survival—tripling survival odds.
Learn More
Healthy employees = Healthy business
Health and ellness programs in the workplace provide numerous benefits with respect to altering CV risk factor profiles in apparently healthy individuals and in those at high risk for or already diagnosed as having CVD.
Learn MoreHeart disease: #1 killer in the USA
Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, claim more lives in the U.S. than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths – the #2 and #3 causes of death – combined.
Learn MoreHCM: most common genetic heart disease, often undiagnosed
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy affects 1 in 250 humans. It often goes undiagnosed, with 80% of patients unaware they have it. HCM can cause sudden cardiac arrest, leading to sudden death.
Learn MoreCPR & AED: Can triple survival in cardiac emergencies
Sudden cardiac arrest kills 350,000 Americans yearly. Bystander CPR and an AED on site can turn tragedy into survival—tripling survival odds.
Learn MoreHealthy employees = Healthy business
Health and ellness programs in the workplace provide numerous benefits with respect to altering CV risk factor profiles in apparently healthy individuals and in those at high risk for or already diagnosed as having CVD.
Learn MoreStories That Inspire Our Mission
In Memory of
Jillian Magrane Blair
Sep 23, 2004 - April 21, 2022 (Age 17)
Jillian Blair's routine checkup in February 2022 revealed a heart murmur. March scans confirmed severe HCM, but the doctor held treatment pending genetic results. In April, on the day her genetic results were returned, she collapsed after coming home from school. Despite CPR and AED shocks, she died. A cousin's 2005 HCM diagnosis never led doctors to advise family screening. Read Jillian's Full Story and honor her memory.
In Memory of
Derek D. Armstead, Sr.
Nov 12, 1990 - Aug 20, 2020 (Age 29)
While playing his children, Derek suddenly lost consciousness. ER Doctors suspected a seizure and sent him home, and scheduled a follow up with a neurologist. Two days after this follow up, he collapsed again and could not be revived. An autopsy revealed he died of sudden cardiac arrest caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Read Derek's Story and honor his memory.
In Support of
Marsha Rosenberg
For more than 50 years, Marsha Rosenberg lived with undiagnosed HCM. Misdiagnosed with asthma, medication damaged her eyes. When finally diagnosed, ablations to relieve obstruction injured her heart's electrical system, making her pacemaker-dependent. Near death, open-heart surgery saved her. Today she can dance and take ballet again. Read Marsha's story and celebrate her new quality of life.
Read More Stories on 4HCM.org
These stories reflect both the deep loss of lives taken too soon and the hope of those saved through awareness and expert care. They show the true devastating impact of HCM and why the HCMA's work matters. Read their stories.
The Hearts of Commerce Pledge
By taking the Hearts of Commerce pledge, companies help save lives through awareness, early detection, and preparedness.
Equip & Train
Place AEDs in offices and provide CPR/AED training for staff.
Promote Screening
Facilitate cardiac screenings for employees and their families.
Support Patients
Create a workplace culture that accommodates and supports employees living with heart conditions.
Advocate for Change
Publicly support the Children's Cardiac Safety Act and broader heart health initiatives.
Engage & Fundraise
Encourage optional fundraising and awareness campaigns, recognizing that nearly every company has personal connections to heart disease.
Join a growing community of commerce leaders making a difference.
