Maija Kowalchuk
2025 WCHRI Summer Student
How blood pressure research is failing women
Maija Kowalchuk’s research explored how often female-specific factors such as pregnancy or hormonal birth control are included in studies on blood pressure medication.
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“Female specific events like menopause, pregnancy or hormonal contraception use affect blood pressure, however researchers have previously rarely considered these. ... High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke, heart and kidney disease in women. Appropriate representation of female sex-specific factors across the lifespan in blood pressure medication research is critical to allow for optimal treatment.”
Kowalchuk conducted a systematic search of ongoing clinical trials for blood pressure medication to examine whether researchers were considering female-specific factors.
Goals:
- Search for completed and actively recruiting blood pressure medication trials and analyze them for the inclusion of female-specific factors.
- Statistically analyze and describe the data to determine if these factors are being adequately considered.
- Highlight the current state of blood pressure research in women and inform future studies.
Potential impact: This project’s findings may lead to more inclusive studies and, ultimately, more effective treatments for women.
Supervisor: Sofia Ahmed, professor, Department of Medicine; U of A Chair in Sex and Gender; WCHRI academic lead of women’s health research
Funder: Alberta Women’s Health Foundation
Interested in doing research to improve the health of women and/or children? Read more about WCHRI’s training awards for students at all levels and generous grants for researchers.
