Dr. Silvi Shah, an associate professor of nephrology and hypertension at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, has been selected to receive the 2024 Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red® Award at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024. The award recognizes Dr. Shah's significant contribution to cardiovascular research focused on women's health. Her award-winning article, "Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Kidney Failure," published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analyzed Medicare claims data for over 500,000 adults receiving dialysis for end-stage kidney disease.
The study revealed that women with kidney failure had higher risks of cardiovascular events, including heart failure and stroke, but a lower risk of cardiovascular death compared to their male counterparts. This research has important implications for healthcare providers and patients alike. It suggests that doctors should reassess their approach to prevention and education on heart disease and stroke, particularly for women with end-stage kidney disease who are undergoing dialysis. The findings underscore the need for more personalized cardiovascular care strategies for women.
The Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red® Award, named after the pioneering cardiologist Dr. Nanette K. Wenger, is presented annually to recognize outstanding research on cardiovascular disease and stroke in women. Dr. Shah's work was selected from 137 submissions from 18 different countries, highlighting the global significance of her research. Dr. Keith Churchwell, the American Heart Association's 2024-2025 volunteer president, praised Dr. Shah's contributions, stating, "Dr. Silvi Shah's research on kidney health and women's health during pregnancy has helped expand our knowledge about the unique needs of these populations." He emphasized the importance of addressing the lack of research on women's health, particularly during pregnancy, to reduce disparities in care and outcomes.
As a nephrologist with a passion for women's health, Dr. Shah expressed her commitment to uncovering information that will lead to more personalized and successful cardiovascular care for women. Her research interests span kidney disease, sex disparities in kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and women's health with kidney disease, especially during pregnancy. Dr. Shah's expertise and dedication to advancing medical knowledge are evident in her numerous roles and achievements. She is the recipient of the K23 Career Development Award from the National Institutes of Health and holds leadership positions in several prestigious medical societies.
The recognition of Dr. Shah's work through this award highlights the critical importance of sex-specific research in cardiovascular medicine. As healthcare professionals continue to strive for more equitable and effective treatment strategies, studies like Dr. Shah's provide valuable insights that can help shape the future of cardiovascular care for women with kidney disease. The award will be presented to Dr. Shah during the annual Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red® Award for Best Scientific Article on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in Women session at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024 in Chicago. This recognition not only honors Dr. Shah's exceptional research but also serves to inspire future investigations into the unique cardiovascular health needs of women, particularly those with comorbid conditions such as kidney failure.
