Women who reported being stalked or having obtained restraining orders faced significantly higher risks of heart attacks or strokes compared to women without these experiences. This has been revealed in a research article published in American Heart Association’s journal Circulation.
Despite the prevalence of violence against women, this factor remains largely unrecognized by many health professionals as an important cardiovascular risk.
The Scope Of Stalking And Its Overlooked Health Impact
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in three women have experienced stalking during their lifetime.
Yet, stalking and its effects are rarely discussed in heart disease research or included in standard cardiovascular risk assessments for women. Rebecca B. Lawn, Ph.D., lead study author and epidemiologist, emphasizes the need to look beyond traditional risk factors and recognize violence as a serious contributor to women’s heart health.
Study Overview: Tracking 66,000 Women for 20 Years
This large-scale study analyzed data from over 66,000 women participating in the Nurses’ Health Study II, spanning from 2001 to 2021.
At the study’s start, the women averaged 46 years old and reported whether they had experienced stalking or obtained restraining orders — legal protections against violent or threatening individuals. Researchers then tracked the development of heart disease and stroke over two decades to assess connections with these violent experiences.
Key Findings: Increased Cardiovascular Risks Linked to Violence
Nearly 12% of the women reported having been stalked, while almost 6% said they had obtained restraining orders, indicating more severe violence exposure.
About 3% of all participants experienced a new diagnosis of heart disease or stroke during the study period. Women who had been stalked were 41% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who were not.
Those who obtained restraining orders showed an even higher risk — 70% more likely to report heart disease or stroke. Medical record confirmations aligned with self-reports, reinforcing the validity of these findings.
Why Stalking and Restraining Orders Affect Heart Health
Stalking, often considered non-physical violence, can cause chronic psychological stress, which profoundly affects the body’s nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Dr. Lawn points out stalking’s chronic nature leads to long-term fear and disruption, sometimes causing victims to relocate or make drastic lifestyle changes. Such persistent stress is known to elevate blood pressure, alter blood vessel function, and trigger biological changes linked to heart disease and stroke.
Limitations and Future Research Needs
The study primarily involved non-Hispanic white U.S. nurses, limiting the ability to generalize findings across more diverse populations. Previous research suggests stalking and violence disproportionately affect women of minority racial or ethnic backgrounds and those with lower incomes.
The study relied on self-reported histories, which could underreport stalking and violence exposure due to stigma or recall bias. Future studies need to include more diverse groups and explore biological mechanisms behind violence-related heart disease.
Clinical Implications: Recognizing Violence in Cardiovascular Care
This research urges healthcare professionals to routinely consider stalking and intimate partner violence when assessing cardiovascular risk in women.
Addressing violence history as part of patient care can improve early detection, prevention, and treatment of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, educating providers about the lasting impacts of trauma helps promote more compassionate, effective care.
Policy and Support: Expanding Resources for Affected Women
Beyond clinical care, the findings highlight the urgent need for increased resources and protections for women experiencing stalking or violence.
Public health initiatives should raise awareness about the connection between violence and heart health to encourage early intervention. Programs providing legal aid, mental health support, and social services are essential to mitigate health consequences and improve quality of life.
A Call to Action for Women’s Heart Health
Stalking and obtaining restraining orders are significant risk factors for heart attack and stroke among women, according to this landmark study.
Recognizing violence as a cardiovascular risk expands our understanding of women’s health and underscores the importance of trauma-informed care. With greater awareness and support, healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities can better protect women’s physical and emotional well-being.
