Latest Research in Women's Health
The American Heart Association's Commitment to Research
There are important biological differences between men and women. Studying women’s health can help us find better ways to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease in women.
The American Heart Association is the leading funder of heart disease and stroke research in the US, second only to the federal government. The Association is committed to funding research focused on women’s health and heart disease in women.
Since 1949, the American Heart Association has:
- Invested more than $6 billion in research to learn more about heart disease and stroke.
- Funded research has led to many important breakthroughs used around the world.
- Funded 11 Nobel Prize winners.
- Launched the Association’s Go Red for Women movement Research Goes Red, an initiative engaging women across the United States in research with the goal of creating the world’s largest women’s health research platform.
Investing in Women’s Health Research
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. Such an aggressive disease requires an equally aggressive response.
That's why the American Heart Association is investing in lifesaving research that:
- Increases our knowledge and understanding about heart disease and stroke; and
- Makes the association the largest funder of heart disease and stroke research, second only to the U.S. government.
Health professionals rely on research to inform the work they do to help you — the patient — prevent and treat heart disease and stroke.
There has been progress, but in 2020, only 38% of clinical trial participants were women. We’re working every day to change that number.
Advancing Women’s Heart Health Research
Research Goes Red
Together, we can unlock the power of science to find new ways to treat, beat and prevent heart disease in all women.
Thousands of women across the country participate in Research Goes Red surveys and studies to help inform the future of cardiovascular health.
Healthy Living BEYOND Weight™ Study
Your health is about more than just a number on the scale. It’s about how you feel—your energy, your mood, and your quality of life. The American Heart Association’s Healthy Living BEYOND Weight™ Study explores real-world experiences of adults navigating weight and health challenges to help improve care and redefine what it means to live well.
Top Takeaways for women at the American Heart Association’s 2025 Scientific Sessions
The American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions brings together the full spectrum of cardiovascular science—from foundational science and translational breakthroughs to clinical trials and real-world application. It is designed for implementation, giving experts the knowledge they can apply in their practice, research, and leadership.
The 2025 Scientific Sessions was held in New Orleans, LA. Read key findings presented that had a focus on new discoveries that could support women’s cardiovascular health.
Stress Cardiac MRI’s for Angina may lead to Improved Treatment
Key finding: Advanced MRI scans clarified causes of chest pain and improved treatment decisions.
What this means for women: This is important for women with angina but clear arteries a condition known as Ischemia with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (INOCA) that disproportionately affects women.
Key finding: Evolocumab, a medication used to reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol was found to cut first-time heart attack or stroke risk by 25% in people without prior events.
What this means for women: These findings suggest earlier cholesterol-lowering interventions for high-risk women in China before their first event may save lives or prevent life changing medical events.
Family Support can help with Controlling High Blood Pressure BP (China)
Key finding: Family involvement and low-sodium salt lowered blood pressure by 10 mmHg.
What this means for women: Family-centered approaches to health and well-being often align with women’s caregiving roles and community leadership.
Easy Access to Food Helped with High Blood Pressure Control in Black Adults
Key finding: Home delivery of healthy food and coaching lowered blood pressure in Black adults.
What it means for women: This is a promising model for Black women, who disproportionately often face high hypertension rates and food-access challenges.
Oral Medication Helped Lower LDL as Effectively as Injectable Medication
Key finding: A daily pill lowered LDL cholesterol by 60%, compared to injectables.
What it means for women: Oral therapy may be easier for busy women to adhere to when juggling caregiving and work.
Guidance on Using AI in Health Care Responsibly
Key finding: AHA released new recommendations for transparent, fair, bias-free AI systems.
What is means for women: Guidance is critical to ensure women’s symptoms and risks aren’t overlooked by biased algorithms.
Healthy Food Access in Heart Failure
Key finding: Greater access to nutritious foods improved quality of life for heart failure patients.
What it means for women: The findings support integrating food-security programs into women’s heart health care.
Key finding: Early diagnosis and treatment campaigns could save lives
What it means for women: Women often present later or atypically with valve disease; awareness could close this gap.
Reports and Research Publications
Research helps us gain a better understanding of women’s health. Read some key reports and publications on women’s health.
The State of U.S. Women’s Health Report (2024)
Prioritizing women’s health could help women live longer and improve the economy. Closing the cardiovascular-disease gap between men and women could help women live longer and improve the economy.
- Read the “State of Women’s Health” (PDF) by Lucy Pérez and Megan Greenfield with the McKinsey Health Institute, and the American Heart Association.
- View the Understanding the Women's Heart Health Gap Infographic (PDF).
American Heart Association Presidential Advisory on Women’s Heart Health (2022)
A call to action to identify and remove barriers to health care access and, quality and equity for women published in Circulation.
Learn more about the “Call to Action for Cardiovascular Disease in Women: Epidemiology, Awareness, Access, and Delivery of Equitable Health Care: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association”
The Women’s Health Access Matters (WHAM) Report (2021)
Highlights the economic and health impacts for both sexes if more funds were allotted for women’s coronary artery disease research. Go Red for Women and WHAM! are collaborating to directly address the lack of societal-level evidence on the economic cost, benefits and social impact due to the underrepresentation of women in cardiovascular research.
Read the WHAM Report commissioned by WHAM and conducted by the RAND Corporation.
Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network (2016-2020)
The Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network (SFRN) launched in 2016. The SFRN, studying studied a range of topics in women, including stress, sedentary behavior, poor sleep, pregnancy and heart failure. The SFRN was possible thanks to longtime donor Sarah Ross Soter with supporting funds from the AHA.
Read the findings from the Go Red for Women SFRN.
Learn about Association’s Strategically Focused Research Networks.
In the News
News affecting women's health
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