Dr. Garima Sharma receives supplemental AHA grant to study social determinants of the risk of high blood pressure in women of reproductive age

Garima Sharma, MD, Director of Inova’s Cardio-Obstetrics and Cardiovascular Women’s Health program, was recently awarded a supplemental grant from the American Heart Association (AHA) to continue work on the project, The Social Determinants of the Risk of Hypertension in Women of Reproductive Age (SAFE HEART). Dr. Sharma is a co-principal investigator of the study along with Yvonne Commodore-Mensah, PhD, MHS, RN, from the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.

In 2022, the AHA awarded $2 million among five institutions to study the impact of social determinants of health, social risk factors and health-related social needs on hypertension outcomes in women at risk in underserved populations. Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age that affect health, functioning and quality of life. Social risk factors are specific adverse conditions associated with poor health such as social isolation, food insecurity or housing instability.

The goal of the original grant was to understand cardiovascular literacy among Black and Hispanic women of childbearing age who have high blood pressure. According to the AHA, earlier studies had  been limited by small sample sizes and underrepresentation of ethnic and racial groups, women, and LGBTQ+ communities.

“The supplemental AHA grant supports adding 100 Hispanic women to the study group – which is a high-risk group that was underrepresented in the original study,” said Dr. Sharma. “This will be accomplished by culturally adapting our approach to recruitment and having materials available in Spanish. The supplemental grant will also support interviews with 40 Hispanic women to collect qualitative data about barriers and facilitators to hypertension management.”

If its goals are achieved, the study should inform future efforts aimed at reducing health disparities and help to improve cardiovascular outcomes among Black and Hispanic women of reproductive age.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.