Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
August 11, 2025
Stalking Linked to Higher Heart Disease, Stroke Risk in Women
TLDR
- Understanding the link between stalking and cardiovascular disease can empower healthcare professionals to identify at-risk women earlier, offering a strategic advantage in preventive care.
- A 20-year study of 66,000 women found those stalked or with restraining orders had 41% and 70% higher risks of cardiovascular disease, respectively, highlighting a significant health correlation.
- Raising awareness about stalking's health impacts can lead to better support systems, improving women's cardiovascular health and fostering a safer, healthier society.
- Stalking's psychological distress may disrupt biological processes, linking it to higher heart disease and stroke risks, a finding that underscores the profound effects of stress on health.
Impact - Why it Matters
This research sheds light on the long-term health consequences of stalking and intimate partner violence, emphasizing the need for healthcare systems to recognize and address violence as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It highlights the importance of social support and resources for victims, potentially saving lives by preventing serious health issues related to psychological distress.
Summary
New research published in the American Heart Association's flagship journal Circulation reveals a concerning link between stalking and cardiovascular disease in women. The study, led by Rebecca B. Lawn, Ph.D., from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the University of British Columbia, found that women who reported being stalked or who obtained a restraining order were significantly more likely to develop heart disease or suffer a stroke over a 20-year period. The study highlights the psychological distress caused by stalking as a potential disruptor of the nervous system and blood vessel function, leading to increased cardiovascular risks. With 1 in 3 women experiencing stalking in their lifetime, the findings underscore the need for healthcare professionals to consider violence as a cardiovascular risk factor.
The research analyzed data from over 66,000 women in the Nurses' Health Study II, showing that those who had been stalked were 41% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, while those who obtained a restraining order faced a 70% higher risk. The study calls for increased awareness and resources to address the health impacts of violence against women, emphasizing the importance of social support in mitigating stress-related health risks. Despite its limitations, including a predominantly non-Hispanic white participant pool, the study provides critical insights into the long-term health consequences of stalking and intimate partner violence.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, Stalking Linked to Higher Heart Disease, Stroke Risk in Women
