Latest Research in Women's Health

Why We Focus Research on Women

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, killing one woman about every 80 seconds.

Such an aggressive disease requires an equally aggressive response.

That’s why the American Heart Association has invested more than $5 billion in 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.

Doctors 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 are women. We’re working every day to change that number.

There are significant biological differences between men and women, and research should reflect those differences. That’s why the AHA is committed to funding research focused on women.