Three research teams from Augusta University, Massachusetts General Hospital, and The Ohio State University will investigate the complex interactions between cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health in women through a $15 million American Heart Association grant.
The Strategically Focused Research Network on Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome will explore why women may be more susceptible to certain health risks, focusing on unique biological factors and life stages such as pregnancy and menopause.
Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome encompasses interconnected health conditions including heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity. Approximately one in three U.S. adults currently experiences at least three components of this syndrome.
Each research center will conduct innovative studies examining different aspects of women's health. Projects will range from analyzing weight gain's metabolic impacts to exploring how pregnancy complications might predict future heart disease risks.
A critical component of the research involves collaborating with institutions serving underrepresented populations, ensuring diverse perspectives and comprehensive data collection. The studies aim to develop more personalized approaches to women's healthcare, potentially revolutionizing prevention and treatment strategies.
Keith Churchwell, the American Heart Association's volunteer president, emphasized the importance of understanding women's unique health challenges, noting that women have been historically underrepresented in clinical research.
