Recent findings from her work include the relationship of relative hyperandrogenemia in women and cardiovascular risk factors, the increase in left ventricular size prior to the onset of clinically significant hypertension and a relationship between homocysteine and blood pressure that is present in women but not in men. African Americans are an understudied group with a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Falkner s findings characterize metabolic functions and sex differences that have not been identified in this group. The results of her research may be used to improve screening, diagnosis and intervention. Research and Policy Recommendations Scientific questions raised Current screening guidelines for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and hypertension are not sex-based.
Women are probably underdiagnosed.
Guidelines need to be modified to reflect the physiological differences between men and women. There is a great need for funding clinical investigators. Areas of research that are currently underfunded There are very few research funds for clinical investigators, especially junior faculty. Clinical studies will only be funded by industry, which may not allow investigators to ask the kind of questions that may lead to important findings. The number of clinical investigators is dwindling, and there are very few junior faculty with the training and funds and experience to take their places.