FAQ: Inaugural Jack Sarver Prize Awards for Cardiovascular Research

What is the Jack Sarver Prize and who are the inaugural recipients?

The Jack Sarver Prize consists of two awards - one in Clinical Science and one in Basic Science - established through a gift to the American Heart Association in honor of Jack Sarver who died of heart disease. The inaugural recipients are Dr. Zainab Mahmoud of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (Clinical Science) and Dr. Zhao Zhang of UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas (Basic Science).

When and where will the awards be presented?

The awards will be presented during dinner events of the Council on Clinical Cardiology and the Council on Basic Cardiovascular Sciences on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025 meeting in New Orleans.

What research earned Dr. Mahmoud the Clinical Science prize?

Dr. Mahmoud was recognized for her study ‘Aspirin Prophylaxis for Preeclampsia Prevention in Nigeria: A Mixed Methods Study,’ which assessed aspirin use among at-risk pregnant women and explored ways to overcome obstacles to improve treatment options for preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal deaths in Nigeria.

What were the key findings from Dr. Mahmoud’s research?

Her research found that addressing barriers including poor dissemination of guidelines, limited provider and patient awareness, delayed prenatal care and cost could make aspirin prophylaxis a significantly effective, low-cost intervention to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria and other high-burden settings.

What research earned Dr. Zhang the Basic Science prize?

Dr. Zhang was recognized for his abstract ‘Forward Genetic Screen Identifies HELZ2 as a Central Regulator of APOB mRNA Stability Linking Hepatic Steatosis and Atherosclerosis,’ which investigated how genetic factors impact apolipoprotein B (APOB) and its role in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and atherosclerosis.

What significant discovery did Dr. Zhang’s research make?

Using a mouse model, his study discovered a rare, dominant mutation implicating HELZ2 protein as a potential therapeutic target for both MASLD (excessive fat accumulation in the liver) and atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arterial walls).

Why was the Jack Sarver Prize established?

The prize was established through a gift to the American Heart Association in honor of Jack Sarver who died of heart disease in 1979 at age 58, motivated by the Sarver family’s multi-generational struggle against heart disease and their mission to ’end the heritage of heart disease.’

What is the significance of these research findings for cardiovascular health?

Both research projects address fundamental cardiovascular disease prevention - Dr. Mahmoud’s work tackles maternal mortality through preeclampsia prevention, while Dr. Zhang’s research identifies new genetic mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for liver disease and atherosclerosis, collectively advancing the mission to prevent cardiovascular disease across generations.

Where can I find more information about the Jack Sarver Prize?

More information about the Jack Sarver Prize in Clinical Science and Jack Sarver Prize in Basic Science is available on the American Heart Association’s professional website.