The American Society for Preventive Cardiology was established in 1985 under the guidance of Joseph Stokes III (1924–1989), a cardiologist who served as coprincipal investigator of the Framingham Heart Study.

[2] The organization was founded through a working group of scientists from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute who recommended curricula to facilitate medical school research aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease.

[3] Since 1994, the ASPC has presented annual debates at the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention scientific sessions.

A year later the ASPC accepted applications for its inaugural class of fellows which provided the first official fellowship certification in preventive cardiology for those who have a record of accomplishment and dedication in the field.

[4] As of 2020 the ASPC also publishes The American Journal of Preventive Cardiology which has been credited with increasing the validation and use of coronary artery calcium scoring.