The American Heart Association announced a new professional education initiative to transform how clinicians identify and treat cardiovascular risk in midlife women, powered by a $1 million philanthropic gift from women's health authority Dr. Jennifer Ashton and her husband, television producer Tom Werner. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women, responsible for 1 in 3 female deaths each year, and is projected to increase over the next few decades, making coordinated, evidence-based guidance for women during menopause more urgent than ever.
The planned educational program will unite cardiologists and OB-GYNs to ensure women navigating the menopause transition receive proactive, evidence-based cardiovascular care. Menopause represents a period when women's cardiovascular risks intensify due to declining estrogen, increased abdominal fat, worsening lipid profiles, vascular stiffening, and rising blood pressure. According to the Association, hot flashes and night sweats are associated with worse cardiovascular disease risk factor levels, and cholesterol levels and metabolic syndrome risk appear to increase with menopause beyond the effects of normal aging.
"We are profoundly grateful for Jen and Tom's remarkable vision and generosity," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "Their leadership sets a new standard for philanthropy in women's health. This commitment will accelerate the development of interdisciplinary education, but it will also redefine how cardiovascular and gynecologic health are connected across a woman's life course." The initiative aims to increase healthcare professional knowledge, competence and performance around women's heart health with a focus on menopause and other OB-GYN issues.
Dr. Ashton, who is also the founder and president of Ajenda, a women's health platform with a focus on midlife, explained the critical need for this program. "As an OB-GYN, the daughter of a cardiologist and a woman, I know women's cardiovascular risks are too often overlooked in midlife," she said. "This happens because OB-GYNs often don't know the latest cardiology information, and cardiologists often are unaware of the most current aspects of menopause medicine. This program seeks to connect the dots between these two specialties with tailored curricula."
The American Heart Association is working with other professional medical societies and organizations focused on women's health care on this initiative. Amy Young, M.D., CEO of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, emphasized that "menopause represents a period when women's cardiovascular risks intensify, underscoring the need for truly coordinated, evidence-informed care." Research shows that only 7.2% of women transitioning to menopause meet physical activity guidelines, and fewer than 20% maintain a healthy diet, compounding midlife risk. After menopause, 1 in 4 women may develop irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, which increases stroke risk.
Initial courses will launch in Fall 2026, with additional modules released through Spring 2027. The program represents a significant step toward addressing treatment gaps in women's cardiovascular care during a critical life stage when early intervention remains one of the most powerful opportunities to prevent cardiovascular disease. More information about menopause and cardiovascular risk is available through the Association's Go Red For Women initiative and their scientific statement on "Menopause Transition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Implications for Timing for Early Prevention."
