$100,000 Clinical Grant Recipient: Brigham and Women’s Hospital Project: “AI-Driven Mammographic Screening for Cardiovascular Risk Prediction in Women” Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s winning proposal, “AI-Driven Mammographic Screening for Cardiovascular Risk Prediction in Women,” is led by Dr. Sophie Gu, M.D., Ph.D., a clinician-scientist and postdoctoral research fellow in cardiovascular medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Her research aims to improve how heart disease is identified in women by using artificial intelligence (AI) to detect early signs of cardiovascular risk from routine mammograms, a screening test many women already receive as part of preventive care.
The idea is both innovative and practical. Mammograms are widely available and routinely performed, yet they may provide important information beyond breast health. By using AI to analyze subtle patterns within these images, Dr. Gu hopes to expand the role mammograms can play in preventive care. She explains that this work could “transform a test millions of women already receive into a tool for both breast and heart health. This approach has the potential to make prevention more accessible, equitable and seamlessly integrated into women’s everyday care.” By incorporating heart health insights into care women already receive, her research aims to help identify risk earlier, support informed conversations between patients and providers and encourage preventive care without adding extra appointments for testing. Dr. Gu believes this research strongly reflects Alpha Phi’s values because it represents a shared commitment to investing in women’s heart health. At its core, the project focuses on helping women better understand and protect their heart health through earlier awareness and prevention. Her work closely aligns with Alpha Phi Foundation’s longstanding commitment to advancing women’s cardiac health through research, education and awareness. $25,000 Community Grant Recipient: Prairie View A&M University Project: “Rhythm of the Heart: Bridging Gender Gaps in Late-Diagnosed Adult Congenital Heart Defects”
Prairie View A&M University’s winning initiative, “Rhythm of the Heart: Bridging Gender Gaps in Late-Diagnosed Adult Congenital Heart Defects,” focuses on an important and often overlooked area in women’s heart health. Although congenital heart defects are commonly associated with childhood, some women may not be diagnosed until adulthood, which can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Developed by Dr. Jacklyn Sanders, the Rhythm of the Heart curriculum is designed to support women across six counties in the Houston, Texas, region: Harris, Waller, Galveston, Montgomery, Fort Bend and Brazoria. The program focuses on education, early awareness and self-advocacy by helping women better understand congenital heart defects, recognize possible symptoms and feel more confident seeking specialized care when needed. The $25,000 grant will support the program’s evaluation phase, which will examine how effectively the curriculum improves participants’ understanding of heart health and encourages screening. Through focus groups and community events, the project will also explore barriers that may prevent women from seeking care. This pilot program is intended to serve as more than a local effort. By building strong community partnerships and evaluating the program’s impact, Prairie View A&M University hopes to create a model that can be adapted and expanded to benefit women in other communities as well.
Awarded annually, the Heart to Heart Grant is made possible through the continued generosity and support of Alpha Phi Foundation donors and volunteers. For 70 years, Alpha Phi’s commitment to women’s heart health has helped advance research, education and care for women across the country. Today, Alpha Phi Foundation is proud to support researchers like Drs. Gu and Sanders, whose work reflects the future of prevention-focused care and the impact women-led research can have on communities and women’s health.
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