Collaborating with the American Heart Association to include more women in research

Less than half of American women know the major symptoms of their greatest health threat (1). While sometimes considered a “man’s disease,” cardiovascular disease causes one in three female deaths annually (2). To call on women across the United States to join the fight against heart disease, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and Project Baseline are joining forces on Research Goes Red. A heart-health collaboration focusing specifically on women and heart disease, Research Goes Red aims to empower women to contribute to health research.

Historically, clinical studies have not adequately enrolled women or analyzed women-specific heart health data. Beginning in February, which is American Heart Month, women can join Research Goes Red. They may have opportunities to take part in surveys and focus groups, contribute data for clinical research projects, and test new tools and technologies in the years to come. With Research Goes Red, contributing to heart research doesn’t have to involve taking medication or donating blood—just a desire to advance women’s heart health.

Improving the diversity of clinical studies is key to creating health solutions that work for everyone. “This is an opportunity for women to stand up for their health and participate in research that could increase our understanding of heart disease and prevention,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, American Heart Association. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Verily on bringing Research Goes Red to Project Baseline, in a world-class clinical research effort that augments the momentum we’ve built with the Go Red for Women movement over the last 15 years.”

At its core, Project Baseline is an initiative dedicated to making research more inclusive and accessible. “Through clinical research we have an opportunity to uncover new insights about health, and by making it easy for individuals to participate, we can develop a comprehensive map that could inform treatment or care decisions,” said Jessica Mega, chief medical and scientific officer, Verily. “Collaborating with the American Heart Association through Project Baseline will help inform more women about the value of participating in research, how to contribute, and a new way to ‘Go Red.’”

Want to know more about how the American Heart Association and Project Baseline are working to improve women’s heart health? Learn more about Research Goes Red and join us on the American Heart Association’s Facebook page on February 28 to wrap up American Heart Month! Nancy Brown and Jessica Mega are teaming up for a 30-minute Research Goes Red Facebook Live at 3 p.m. PST / 6 p.m. EST. We hope to see you there!

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_{1. American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, “Cardiovascular Disease, Women’s No.1 Health Threat.”}

_{2. Liu, K. A., & Mager, N. A. (2016). Women's involvement in clinical trials: historical perspective and future implications. Pharmacy practice, 14(1), 708.}