SAFE HEART Study
The Social Determinants of Hypertension in Women of Reproductive Age (SAFE HEART) study is an American Heart Association grant-funded sub-study of Research Goes Red.
Help us learn more about how risk for high blood pressure and heart disease is influenced by social and psychological factors, as well as understanding of heart disease (called heart health literacy), and whether heart health education improves this understanding among postpartum women.
This study focuses on postpartum women, defined as women within 12 months after giving birth, who have not been well represented in heart health research. By participating, you can help improve knowledge, screening, and care for women during this critical period after pregnancy.
What is this Study About?
“Taking steps for better heart health in women’s younger years can help prevent heart disease later in life. However, we do not know enough about heart health in younger and postpartum women. For example, we need to better understand how social and psychological factors, such as stress, mental health, access to resources, and health knowledge, affect heart health so we can identify risks earlier and create tools and resources that support women after pregnancy.
We also want to learn whether providing postpartum women with heart health education and improving heart health literacy can serve as a meaningful tool for better long-term health.”
– Dr. Garima Sharma, MD, FAHA
Dr. Garima Sharma, MD, FAHA
Director, Women’s Cardiovascular Health & Preventive Cardiology, Inova Schar Heart and Vascular
Principal Investigator
Dr. Faith Elise Metlock, PhD, RN
Nursing Research Scientist, Women’s Cardiovascular Health & Preventive Cardiology, Inova Schar Heart and Vascular
Co-Principal Investigator
Heart disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the United States, with most deaths occurring after childbirth. Yet, postpartum women are often overlooked in heart health research and prevention efforts.
Many factors can influence heart health after pregnancy, including:
Social stress and life demands
Mental and psychological health
Access to care and resources
Understanding of heart disease and prevention
By learning more about how social, psychological, and educational factors interact with traditional cardiovascular risks, this study aims to improve early detection, education, and prevention strategies for postpartum women.
Why is this Study Important?
What’s Involved?
Enrolling in the study
We will guide you through enrollment, which includes learning about the study and agreeing to participate. Most activities are completed online and can be done on any device.
Answering questions
You will complete one initial online survey about your health, lifestyle, social and psychological factors, and heart health knowledge.
Getting heart health facts
You will receive helpful heart health facts, tips, and resources through digital education materials designed to support postpartum heart health.
What You’ll Receive
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible to participate if you:
Are a woman ages 18–50
Are within 12 months postpartum
Can speak and read English
Have a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access
Especially encouraged to participate:
Black and Hispanic women, who are often underrepresented in heart health research
Payment for Taking Part
You’ll receive a one-time $50 gift card for completing the full study.
Heart Health Resources
You’ll receive useful heart health information, education, and tools to support your well-being after pregnancy.
Research Goes Red Perks
As part of the Research Goes Red community, you may receive special resources and opportunities focused on supporting women’s heart health.