Being Stalked May Threaten Heart Health in Women
Being Stalked May Threaten Heart Health in Women
Source: Circulation (Published online August 11, 2025)
Author: Rebecca B. Lawn, PhD – Harvard T.H.,
1. Study Population
• Over 66,000 U.S. female nurses (mean baseline age: 46.3 years) were studied.
• Follow-up lasted a median of 19.9 years.
2. Exposure
• 11.7% of women (about 1 in 9) reported experiencing stalking.
• 5.6% of women (about 1 in 18) reported obtaining a restraining order, indicating more severe or repeated abuse that required legal intervention.
3. Outcomes
• Incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) included fatal/nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke.
• 2.8% developed CVD; 1.5% of these cases were confirmed by medical record review.
4. Key Findings
• Women who experienced stalking had a 41% higher risk of CVD (aHR 1.41; 95% CI, 1.24–1.60).
• Women who obtained a restraining order had a 70% higher risk of CVD (aHR 1.70; 95% CI, 1.44–1.98).
• Confirmed (adjudicated) cases showed similar elevated risks.
5. Interpretation
• Stalking and related trauma may have long-term cardiovascular effects.
• Restraining orders, while protective, may also reflect more severe histories of abuse linked to higher CVD risk.
6. Clinical Implication
• Restraining orders can serve as a signal for healthcare providers to identify at-risk women.
• Beyond traditional risk factors, understanding women’s life experiences is crucial in evaluating cardiovascular risk.
