Special issue highlights research defining women’s heart care
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women globally, but new research and a renewed focus on sex-specific medicine are driving progress in prevention, diagnosis and management. A special issue of Circulation, the American Heart Association’s flagship journal, dedicated to Go Red for Women, highlights these advancements and underscores the critical need to address gaps in care for women.
Understanding the Disparities in Women’s Heart Health
The 2026 Go Red for Women issue of Circulation confirms the journal’s commitment to advancing women’s cardiovascular health. According to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. A new scientific statement published in the special issue details challenges in diagnosing acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in premenopausal women, noting they often experience delayed diagnosis and atypical symptoms compared to men.
This disparity in care stems, in part, from a historical lack of focus on women’s cardiovascular health. Dr. Stacey Rosen, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, explains that the question has evolved from “Does sex matter?” to “How does sex matter?” Her article urges clinicians, researchers, and educators to integrate “sex as a biological variable” into cardiovascular medicine.
Key Research Areas Highlighted in the Circulation Issue
The special issue features research examining several critical areas impacting women’s cardiovascular health. Studies explored the connection between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and premature cardiovascular disease, the effects of discontinuing statin use before pregnancy on maternal and infant outcomes, and the impact of maternal smoking during pregnancy on children’s blood pressure. Researchers also investigated the link between polycystic ovarian syndrome and arrhythmias.
Beyond understanding the disease itself, the issue also addresses systemic issues in research. Articles advocate for increasing women’s leadership in clinical trials and leveraging artificial intelligence to improve CVD risk assessment and recruitment of women into trials, where currently less than 40% of participants are women.
Looking Ahead
The findings presented in the Go Red for Women issue of Circulation could lead to more tailored diagnostic strategies and improved clinical awareness of cardiovascular disease in women. Further research is likely to focus on the long-term cardiovascular consequences of conditions experienced during pregnancy. The American Heart Association will continue to support research, awareness, and education initiatives through Go Red for Women. Drs. Mercedes Carnethon and Sana Al-Khatib, special editors of the GRFW issue, will discuss these findings on the journal’s Circulation on the Run podcast on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. CT/2:00 p.m. ET.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Go Red for Women issue of Circulation?
The 2026 Go Red for Women issue of Circulation showcases new research about cardiovascular disease in women and confirms the journal’s dedication to advancing women’s cardiovascular health.
What challenges do premenopausal women face when dealing with acute coronary syndromes?
Premenopausal women with acute coronary syndromes often face delayed diagnosis and atypical symptom recognition, resulting in worse outcomes compared to men.
What is the American Heart Association doing to address gaps in women’s cardiovascular care?
The Association launched Go Red for Women in 2004, and funds raised by GRFW are dedicated to research, awareness, and education about women’s heart health. They have also supported more than 200,000 health care professionals with educational tools.
As research continues to illuminate the unique cardiovascular challenges faced by women, how might a more personalized approach to healthcare improve outcomes for all?