Summary:
A groundbreaking study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals that women who have experienced stalking or obtained restraining orders face significantly higher risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study analyzed data from 66,270 American nurses over 20 years, finding a 41% increased CVD risk for stalking victims and a 70% increase for those who secured restraining orders. This underscores the profound impact of trauma on physical health, urging healthcare providers to consider these factors in screenings.
What This Means for You:
- If you’ve experienced stalking or domestic violence, monitor your heart health and discuss these experiences with your healthcare provider.
- Advocate for comprehensive health screenings that include questions about trauma and violence history.
- Seek support from domestic violence hotlines or counseling services to mitigate long-term health risks.
- Future research may lead to more trauma-informed healthcare practices, improving outcomes for survivors.
Women Who Experienced Stalking or Obtained Restraining Orders Have Higher Risk of Heart Disease, Study Finds:
Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh’s story highlights the intersection of domestic violence and physical health. After enduring a controlling marriage, she faced severe health issues, including abnormal stress tests and a cardiac catheterization. Her experience mirrors findings from a Harvard study, which links stalking and restraining orders to a 41% and 70% increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respectively. The study, published in Circulation, emphasizes the need for trauma-informed healthcare practices.
Dr. Karestan Koenen, lead researcher, noted that stalking itself—not lifestyle factors—drives the increased risk. The study’s findings urge healthcare providers to include trauma history in heart health screenings. Nearly one in three women report stalking experiences, making this a critical public health issue.
For anonymous, confidential help, people can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224. People can text START to 88788 or chat on TheHotline.org.
Extra Information:
Learn more about trauma-informed care from the National Nursing Association and resources for domestic violence survivors at TheHotline.org. These resources provide critical support and education for those affected by violence.
People Also Ask About:
- How does trauma affect heart health? Trauma triggers chronic stress, leading to inflammation and increased CVD risk.
- What are the signs of stalking? Repeated unwanted contact, surveillance, and threats are common indicators.
- How can survivors protect their mental health? Seek counseling, join support groups, and prioritize self-care practices.
- Are men also affected by stalking-related health issues? While this study focused on women, stalking can negatively impact anyone’s health.
Expert Opinion:
Dr. Karestan Koenen emphasizes the urgent need for healthcare systems to integrate trauma screening into routine care. “Understanding the long-term health impacts of violence is crucial for improving women’s health outcomes,” she states. This study highlights the importance of addressing societal issues like stalking as public health priorities.
Key Terms:
- Women’s heart health and trauma
- Domestic violence and cardiovascular disease
- Stalking’s impact on physical health
- Trauma-informed healthcare practices
- Restraining orders and health risks
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