The American Heart Association's Strategically Focused Research Network has launched a comprehensive $15 million project to examine how cardiovascular and kidney disease risk factors uniquely affect women. Three research teams from Augusta University, Massachusetts General Hospital, and The Ohio State University will lead this initiative exploring the complex interactions between cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health in women across different life stages. Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome describes the combined health effects of heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity, with approximately one in three U.S. adults experiencing at least three components of this syndrome including high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, high blood glucose, impaired kidney function, and excess body weight.
Each research center will focus on distinct aspects of women's health with Augusta University investigating the lifelong effects of obesity, examining how weight gain differs between males and females and exploring potential pregnancy complications. Massachusetts General Hospital will study how pregnancy history and female-specific risk factors might provide insights into future heart disease risks. The Ohio State University will implement the Beyond One Size Fits All (B-FIT) initiative, exploring personalized approaches to women's cardiovascular health through their research program detailed at https://www.ohio-state.edu/research/b-fit-initiative.
A critical component of the research is addressing the historical underrepresentation of women in clinical studies. By examining biological factors associated with life cycles like menopause and pregnancy, researchers hope to develop more targeted preventive strategies and therapeutic approaches that specifically address women's health needs. The project emphasizes diversity in clinical research, with each center collaborating with academic institutions serving underrepresented populations to generate more comprehensive and inclusive health insights that can potentially benefit women from diverse backgrounds.
The American Heart Association's investment in this research is part of its broader commitment to cardiovascular health, as the organization has previously funded nearly $5.9 billion in cardiovascular and brain health research, making it the largest non-government supporter of such studies in the United States according to their research funding information at https://www.heart.org/en/research. This initiative represents a significant step toward understanding how cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome manifests differently in women and developing gender-specific approaches to prevention and treatment that could improve health outcomes for millions of women affected by these interconnected conditions.
