Thanks, AHA, for helping keep our hearts healthier over the years

Here are six reminders of just how far we've come in fighting heart disease, courtesy of Mary Kate Hartmann of the American Heart Association's Syracuse Metro & Greater Mohawk Valley Region.

Sometimes, even as we're moving forward, it's beneficial to stop and admire our accomplishments.

Consider:

* 50 years ago, there was no CPR.

* 35 years ago, there was no angioplasty.

* 30 years ago, there were no effective anti-rejection drugs for heart transplants. (Read my story about Syracuse's first heart transplant patient and the 25th anniversary of his donor heart being implanted.)

* 20 years ago, there were no medications to reduce disability from stroke.

* 15 years ago, there were no defibrillators on airplanes.

* 10 years ago, there were no drug-eluting stents.

"These are tangible ways that the citizens of our community have benefited from the American Heart Assocation's work," says Hartmann.

Don't forget to sign up for this year's Heart Walk, taking place April 17 at Longbranch Park in Liverpool, near Syracuse.