Study Links Stalking to Increased Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke in Women

Women who have been stalked or have obtained restraining orders may face a higher risk of developing heart disease and stroke, according to a new study published in the American Heart Association's flagship journal, Circulation. The research, which followed over 66,000 women for more than 20 years, found that those who reported being stalked were 41% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, while those who had obtained a restraining order were 70% more likely.

The study underscores the potential long-term health consequences of stalking, a form of violence that is often minimized due to its non-physical nature. Rebecca B. Lawn, Ph.D., the study's lead author, emphasized the importance of looking beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors to understand the full scope of violence's impact on women's health. With about 1 in 3 women experiencing stalking at some point in their lives, the findings call for increased awareness and intervention strategies to mitigate these health risks.

Harmony R. Reynolds, M.D., FAHA, noted the study's surprising strength of association between stalking and cardiovascular disease, suggesting that the psychological distress from such experiences can have lasting effects on the body. The research points to the need for healthcare professionals to consider violence history as a potential cardiovascular risk factor and for women to have access to support and resources.

For more information on the study and its implications, visit https://www.heart.org. The study's findings highlight the critical need for further research and training to address the link between violence and women's cardiovascular health, as well as the importance of social support in mitigating the effects of stress.