Dr. Silvi Shah Honored with Prestigious 2024 Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red Award

The American Heart Association has announced that Dr. Silvi Shah, an associate professor of nephrology and hypertension at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, will receive the 2024 Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red Award at the upcoming Scientific Sessions 2024 in Chicago. This prestigious accolade recognizes Dr. Shah's significant contribution to cardiovascular research, particularly her study on sex differences in cardiovascular outcomes among patients with kidney failure.

Dr. Shah's award-winning article, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analyzed Medicare claims data for over 500,000 adults receiving dialysis for end-stage kidney disease. The research revealed that women with kidney failure face higher risks of cardiovascular events, including heart failure and stroke, compared to their male counterparts. Paradoxically, the study also found that these women had a lower risk of cardiovascular death. These findings underscore the need for a reevaluation of approaches to prevention, education, and promotion of healthy living among women with end-stage kidney disease who are on dialysis.

The implications of Dr. Shah's research are far-reaching. It highlights significant gaps in our understanding of cardiovascular health in women, especially those with comorbidities such as kidney failure. This work is crucial in addressing health disparities and improving outcomes for a vulnerable patient population. By identifying these gender-specific risks, healthcare providers can potentially develop more targeted and effective interventions for women on dialysis.

Dr. Keith Churchwell, the American Heart Association's 2024-2025 volunteer president, emphasized the importance of Dr. Shah's work in expanding knowledge about the unique health needs of women, particularly during pregnancy. He noted that the lack of research on women's health contributes to significant disparities in care and outcomes, making Dr. Shah's ongoing work critical to improving health equity.

The Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red Award is particularly significant as it aims to empower women to contribute to health research. Dr. Shah's selection for this award out of 137 submissions from 18 different countries underscores the global impact and recognition of her work. Her research not only advances scientific understanding but also has the potential to influence clinical practice and policy-making in the care of women with kidney and cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Shah's broader research interests encompass kidney disease, sex disparities in kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and women's health with kidney disease, with a special focus on pregnancy. Her multifaceted approach to research, combined with her roles in various medical committees and editorial boards, positions her as a leading voice in the field of nephrology and women's health.

The recognition of Dr. Shah's work comes at a critical time when the medical community is increasingly acknowledging the importance of gender-specific research in healthcare. Her findings could lead to more personalized and effective cardiovascular care for women, particularly those with complex medical conditions like kidney failure. This award not only honors Dr. Shah's contributions but also highlights the ongoing need for focused research on women's cardiovascular health to address existing knowledge gaps and improve patient outcomes.