Dr. Megan McLaughlin of the University of California, San Francisco has been selected to receive the 2025 Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red Award at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions for her research examining disparities in postpartum care following hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Her study, published in the Association's journal Hypertension on April 2, 2025, analyzed nationally representative data from over 47,000 postpartum individuals and found that while most patients attended a postpartum visit, attendance varied significantly by race, ethnicity, insurance status, and socioeconomic factors. This research identifies critical gaps in care for a population at elevated risk for future cardiovascular disease.
The investigation revealed that many patients reported not receiving essential counseling or screening for cardiovascular risk factors during their postpartum visits, including lifestyle guidance, smoking cessation support, and diabetes testing. These findings confirm missed opportunities to improve long-term heart health in a high-risk population. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, represent a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease later in life, making the postpartum period a crucial window for intervention and risk reduction.
Dr. Stacey E. Rosen, the American Heart Association's 2025-2026 volunteer president, emphasized the importance of this work, stating that it underscores the critical role of early education and targeted intervention in preventing long-term heart disease. The award is named in honor of Dr. Nanette K. Wenger, an emeritus professor at Emory University School of Medicine and a pioneering figure in women's cardiovascular disease medicine. Submissions for the award were evaluated by 25 expert peer reviewers based on scientific impact, innovation, methodology, and quality of evidence.
Dr. McLaughlin's manuscript was selected from 123 submissions from 17 different countries published in the Association's scientific journals between June 1, 2024, and May 29, 2025. The American Heart Association's Research Goes Red initiative aims to empower women to contribute to health research, and this award specifically recognizes outstanding contributions to understanding cardiovascular disease and stroke in women. The findings from this research provide important insights that could help shape future clinical guidelines and public health interventions to improve postpartum cardiovascular care.
By highlighting systemic inequities in care delivery, the study points to the need for more standardized and comprehensive postpartum follow-up protocols, particularly for individuals from marginalized communities. Reducing these disparities is essential for mitigating the long-term cardiovascular risk associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The recognition of this research through a prestigious award brings increased attention to women's heart health and the specific challenges faced during the postpartum period, potentially catalyzing policy changes and improved clinical practices nationwide.
