UCSF Cardiologist Receives Prestigious Women's Heart Health Research Award

Dr. Megan McLaughlin, an assistant professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at 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 2025. The award recognizes the best research article focused on cardiovascular disease and stroke in women published in the Association's scientific journals during the previous year. The meeting will be held November 7-10, 2025, in New Orleans, serving as a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements in cardiovascular science.

Dr. McLaughlin earned this prestigious recognition for her article "Disparities in Postpartum Care After a Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy in the United States," published in the Association's journal Hypertension on April 2, 2025. Her research examined critical gaps in postpartum care for individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, which represent a major risk factor for future cardiovascular disease. Using nationally representative data from over 47,000 postpartum individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, the study revealed that while most patients attended a postpartum visit, attendance varied significantly by race, ethnicity, insurance status and socioeconomic factors.

The research findings indicate substantial missed opportunities for cardiovascular risk prevention. Many patients reported not receiving essential counseling or screening for cardiovascular risk factors during their postpartum visits, including lifestyle guidance, smoking cessation support, or diabetes testing. This represents a critical gap in care for a population at elevated risk for developing heart disease later in life. The study's implications extend beyond individual patient care to broader healthcare system challenges in providing equitable preventive services.

Dr. Stacey E. Rosen, the American Heart Association's 2025-2026 volunteer president, emphasized the importance of Dr. McLaughlin's work, stating that it "underscores the critical role of early education and targeted intervention in preventing long-term heart disease." Rosen further noted that "a greater focus on women's health, especially during pregnancy, helps ensure that women with higher risk receive the tools, knowledge and support they need to manage their heart health effectively." The research provides meaningful information that can help improve postpartum care and support longer, healthier lives for women.

The award selection process involved evaluation by 25 expert peer reviewers who assessed submissions based on scientific impact, innovation, methodology, and quality of data. 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 Research Goes Red initiative aims to empower women to contribute to health research, addressing historical gaps in women's cardiovascular disease understanding and treatment.

Dr. McLaughlin expressed her honor in receiving the award named for Dr. Nanette Wenger, whose pioneering career in women's cardiovascular disease medicine established the foundation for current research and clinical practice. As a cardiologist with advanced training in echocardiography, Dr. McLaughlin focuses her research on heart disease prevention and women's cardiovascular health, particularly developing new approaches to improve management of risk factors such as high blood pressure. Her work represents a growing recognition of the unique cardiovascular risks women face and the importance of tailored prevention strategies throughout their lifespan, particularly during reproductive years and beyond.