Latest news with #Circulation
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Study: Women who have been stalked have higher heart health risks
Victims of stalkers appear to have an increased risk of heart disease, a new study says. Women who had been stalked or had obtained a restraining order were more likely to develop heart problems later in life, researchers reported in the journal Circulation. "Stalking is often seen as a form of violence that does not involve physical contact, which may make it seem less serious," said lead researcher Rebecca Lawn, a research associate in epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. "However, our findings suggest stalking should not be minimized," she added in a news release. For the study, researchers tracked the health of more than 66,000 women recruited into a large-scale health study in 2001 at an average age of 46. Of the participants, 7,700 reported themselves as victims of stalking and nearly 3,700 had to get a restraining order to protect them from harassment. Women who reported being stalked had 41% greater odds of developing heart disease, compared to those who hadn't been stalked, results show. Those who got a restraining order were 70% more likely to have heart disease, researchers found. Women who had a history of both being stalked and getting a restraining order had the highest observed level of heart disease risk -- double that of women who not had either traumatic experience. Further, women who suffered heart attacks or strokes in the years since their incidents were more likely to have reported being stalked or getting a restraining order, the study says. Researchers said the link between heart health and stalking might be explained by the psychological distress caused by being menaced and threatened. Such stress can trigger a person's "fight or flight" response, causing disruption in heart and blood pressure function as well as other health problems. Dr. Harmony Reynolds, immediate past chair of the American Heart Association's Clinical Cardiology & Stroke Women's Health Science Committee, said the effects of such stress can be long-lasting. "Perhaps because it is our nature to re-think about things that happen to us, making us experience the situation over and over," Reynolds, director of the Sarah Ross Soter Center for Women's Cardiovascular Research at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City, said in a news release. "However, social support may mitigate the effects of stress," said Reynolds, who was not involved in the research. "It's helpful to have people you can trust to talk with, whether they are family, friends, people in the community or professionals." Reynolds noted that it's already known that people subjected to intimate partner violence have a 30% higher risk of heart disease. "While this study shows a more moderate risk, given the long time frame, it highlights how feeling unsafe can affect the body, in addition to the mind," Reynolds said. "A variety of stressful life experiences are known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including adverse childhood experiences, financial stressors, grief and other experiences." More information The Cleveland Clinic has more on stress and heart disease. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
From fear to heart failure: Stalked women face 40% higher heart health risk
A 20-year Harvard-led study finds experiencing stalking and obtaining restraining orders linked to sharply higher heart disease and stroke risk in women New Delhi Stalking is not only a violation of safety and dignity, it may also pose a serious threat to women's long-term heart health, revealed a recent study. What did the study find? Published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation, the study, titled 'Experiences of Stalking and Obtaining a Restraining Order Are Associated With Onset of Cardiovascular Events in Women: A Prospective Analysis in the Nurses' Health Study II', found that women who have been stalked face a 41 per cent higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. The study highlighted that for women who obtained a restraining order, often a marker of severe and sustained violence, the risk increased by 70 per cent. Led by US-based researchers, the study analysed 20 years of data from 66,270 women, average age 46, identifying stalking as a serious yet often overlooked risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart attacks and strokes. The risks stayed high even after accounting for factors like smoking, BMI, diabetes, high blood pressure, childhood abuse, and depression. Why would stalking affect the heart? The study reveals, stalking may not always involve physical harm, but it can cause chronic psychological distress such as fear, anxiety, and hypervigilance that disrupts the nervous system, damages blood vessel function, and triggers harmful stress responses. Over time, these biological and behavioural effects can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Restraining orders and higher health risks A restraining order is a legal document designed to keep a perpetrator away from the victim. According to the study, while it can help prevent further violence, obtaining one often means the person has already faced severe and sustained harassment or abuse, experiences that can leave long-lasting effects on mental and physical health. The study authors emphasised that stalking is often seen as less serious but can be chronic and damaging. According to them, experts urge women to seek both legal protection and medical care. If you have a history of stalking or severe harassment, it's important to monitor heart health regularly, manage stress, and get support from counselling or advocacy services. Prevention, early intervention, and raising awareness can help reduce both violence and its long-term health consequences. 'Overall, our findings highlight the urgent need to consider violence against women, a prevalent yet underexplored risk factor for CVD, in understanding women's health and orienting priorities for public health interventions,' the researchers said in the study. Why is the research important?
Euronews
2 days ago
- Health
- Euronews
Stalking linked to increased heart disease risk in women, study finds
Women who have been stalked or obtained restraining orders face significantly higher risks of heart disease and stroke over the long term, new research has found. Published in the journal Circulation, the study followed more than 66,000 women over 20 years and found that those who reported being stalked by a current or former partner – or other people – were 41 per cent more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who did not report stalking. The risk was even higher for women who had obtained a restraining order, with a 70 per cent greater likelihood of heart disease or stroke. 'To many people, stalking doesn't seem to be such a serious experience, as it often does not involve physical contact. But stalking has profound psychological consequences that can have physical implications,' said Karestan Koenen, the study's senior author and a professor of psychiatric epidemiology at Harvard University in the US. The findings underscore that "common, non-contact forms of violence against women are health hazards and need to be considered as such, just like we consider smoking or poor diet," Koenen added. Stalking affects roughly one in three women and one in six men over the course of their lives, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the European Union, that figure is 18.5 per cent, with rates ranging from 8.5 per cent in Lithuania to 32.4 per cent in Slovakia, EU data shows. Stalking involves repeated unwanted behaviours, such as following, spying, uninvited visits, or online harassment. Yet the study highlights that stalking is rarely addressed in medical research, despite the profound psychological trauma it can cause and its potential physical health impacts The study analysed data from a long-running survey of female nurses in the United States, collecting information on their stalking history in 2001 and following participants through 2021. At the beginning of the study, none of the women had cardiovascular disease. Nearly 12 per cent reported having been stalked, and almost 6 per cent said they had obtained a restraining order at some point. Heart disease and stroke were self-reported and verified through medical records. Over the next two decades, about 3 per cent of women developed cardiovascular disease, with significantly higher risks for those who had been stalked or obtained restraining orders. Calls for improved screening and support in healthcare The study authors suggest that psychological distress from stalking may disrupt the nervous system, impair blood vessel function, and alter other biological mechanisms – potential pathways linking violence with cardiovascular harm. However, additional studies would be needed to better understand the link. Notably, most participants in this study were non-Hispanic white nurses, meaning the findings may not fully capture the experiences of women overall. Previous studies have shown that stalking and violence disproportionately impact women from minority ethnic groups and lower-income communities. Despite these limitations, the study authors said their findings indicate more needs be done to address violence against women. "In health care settings, we need to improve screening for stalking and other forms of violence and provide resources for women to protect themselves," Koenen said. "And zooming out further, on a broad public health level, we need to do better in addressing and preventing the root causes of violence against women," she added.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Women who have been stalked may have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke
Research Highlights: Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 ( NewMediaWire ) - August 11, 2025 - DALLAS — Women who reported having been stalked or obtained a restraining order were each more likely to experience a heart attack and/or stroke in later years compared to those who did not, according to new research published today in the American Heart Association's flagship journal Circulation. 'Although violence against women is common, and evidence has linked violence with consequences for women's later heart health, it is still not widely recognized or routinely considered by health care professionals as a potential cardiovascular risk factor among women,' said study author Rebecca B. Lawn, Ph.D., a research associate in epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston and at the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. 'We felt it was essential to look beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors in women and strengthen our understanding of the relationship between underexplored types of violence and heart health.' About 1 in 3 women have been stalked at some point in their lives, according to data on intimate partner violence collected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study notes that common forms of violence against women, such as stalking, are rarely discussed in cardiovascular research. Lawn's previous research linked sexual assault and workplace harassment to higher blood pressure in women. Other studies report that people with restraining orders are more likely to experience poorer health. Researchers analyzed stalking, restraining orders, and heart disease or stroke development among participants in the Nurses' Health Study II, from 2001 to 2021. The analysis includes data for more than 66,000 women, average age 46 years in 2001. These women did not have cardiovascular disease in 2001, when they first shared whether they had experienced stalking or stalking harassment behaviors, such as receiving unsolicited correspondence, that made them fearful. The study also asked if participants had 'ever taken out' a restraining order, which is a legal document that seeks to limit contact between a victim and perpetrator. Obtaining a restraining order was considered a sign of severe violence. The analysis found: 'Stalking is often seen as a form of violence that does not involve physical contact, which may make it seem less serious,' Lawn said. 'However, our findings suggest stalking should not be minimized. Stalking can be chronic, and women often report making significant changes in response such as moving.' Harmony R. Reynolds, M.D., FAHA, immediate past chair of the American Heart Association's Clinical Cardiology & Stroke Women's Health Science Committee, said she was surprised at the strong association this study found between stalking and cardiovascular disease. 'A variety of stressful life experiences are known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including adverse childhood experiences, financial stressors, grief and other experiences,' Reynolds said. 'People subjected to intimate partner violence face about a 30% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the next few years compared to others. While this study shows a more moderate risk, given the long-time frame, it highlights how feeling unsafe can affect the body, in addition to the mind.' Reynolds, the Joel and Joan Smilow Professor of Cardiology and Director of the Sarah Ross Soter Center for Women's Cardiovascular Research at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City, was not involved in this research, and noted that the effects of stress can be long-lasting. 'Perhaps because it is our nature to re-think about things that happen to us, making us experience the situation over and over. However, social support may mitigate the effects of stress. It's helpful to have people you can trust to talk with, whether they are family, friends, people in the community or professionals,' she said. Study authors note that the link between stalking and cardiovascular disease may be due to psychological distress, which may disrupt the nervous system, proper blood vessel function and other biological processes; however, these potential mechanisms were not examined in detail in this study. Lawn said more research, as well as training for health care professionals, is needed to understand the link between stalking or obtaining a restraining order and women's cardiovascular health. 'We also need to increase awareness about the potential health harms of experiencing violence and provide women with help and resources,' she said. Among the study's limitations are that participants—U.S. registered nurses—were mostly non-Hispanic white women. The findings may not apply to other populations or groups of people. The study notes that previous research indicated that, 'violence history, including stalking, is more common among women from minority racial/ethnic backgrounds and those with low income.' In addition, the study relied on participants self-reporting their history of experiencing stalking and restraining orders. Study Background: Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript. Studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173 Bridgette McNeill: [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Medscape
08-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
AHA Boosts ‘Food Is Medicine' for Cardio Conditions
Produce prescriptions , designed to increase access to fruits and vegetables either through vouchers or by providing specific produce items. , designed to increase access to fruits and vegetables either through vouchers or by providing specific produce items. Medically tailored groceries , a prepackaged selections of unprepared foods often selected by nutritionists or dietitians to address the specific nutritional needs of the individual. , a prepackaged selections of unprepared foods often selected by nutritionists or dietitians to address the specific nutritional needs of the individual. Medically tailored meals , similar to medically tailored groceries, but consisting of fully prepared, ready-to-eat meals. How well do Food Is Medicine programs offset the cost of caring for cardiometabolic diseases? The answer, in short: a mixed grocery bag. The American Heart Association (AHA) recently issued a scientific statement based on a systematic review of these programs in the US. The review, published in the journal Circulation , analyzed randomized controlled trials of Food Is Medicine programs to quantify how such services can influence health outcomes — in this case, noncommunicable diseases. The researchers assessed 14 randomized controlled trials, concluding the evidence is strong to justify current efforts to implement and disseminate Food Is Medicine programs. However, they acknowledged that the benefits of Food Is Medicine can be difficult to generalize across studies because of the broad variations in population, intervention design, duration of the program, and intensity of the intervention. 'A nutritious diet improves health outcomes; we know that clearly,' said Hilary Seligman, MD, MAS, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of California, San Francisco, and lead author of the AHA statement. 'We are still trying to figure out the best way for healthcare to help support patients in getting a healthy diet in a way that improves health outcomes, especially in the short term. Who should we be giving healthy food to? How, and for how long? These are some of the outstanding questions.' Cheaper Than a Trip to the Emergency Room 'We can say with confidence that Food Is Medicine programs help people manage chronic illness and diet-related diseases, reduce emergency visits, reduce amputations from diabetes, and beyond,' said Devon Klatell, MA , vice president of Food Initiatives at the Rockefeller Foundation, a national philanthropic organization. Robust studies are starting to show well-designed, effectively implemented programs can bring down costs and reduce the need for expensive healthcare services. A recent study from Cleveland Clinic showed patients receiving medically tailored meals had fewer visits to the emergency department (ED) and inpatient hospital days, resulting in an average cost saving of about $12,000 per patient. Another study of Medicaid beneficiaries in Massachusetts found nutrition support led to 23% fewer hospitalizations and 13% fewer ED visits. Among adults enrolled in the government-funded program for over 90 days between 2020 and 2023, average healthcare costs dropped by an average of more than $2500 per person. 'I think all clinicians are aware that problems like food insecurity and poor nutrition can harm health, but we've had few tools to be able to address these problems in clinical care,' said Seth Berkowitz, MD, MPH, an associate professor of medicine and vice chief for Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Seth Berkowitz, MD, MPH Berkowitz, who is deputy scientific director for the AHA's Health Care by Food initiative, said referring patients to these programs 'really should be no different than placing a referral to a registered dietitian or nutritionist, or similar collaboration that clinicians engage in regularly.' Grocery Bills in the Healthcare Budget? A recent Rockefeller Foundation survey showed nearly 80% of the American public would be personally interested in Food Is Medicine programs. 'We know that Americans want these programs,' Klatell said. Patients and clinicians who participate in these programs like and recommend them, she added. The catch is getting policymakers to endorse the approach. 'Integrating food into healthcare delivery can improve health, help to manage costs, and in many ways is common sense — but it's also a new 'muscle' that the healthcare system needs to build and adapt to,' she said. 'For some reason, programs in healthcare that are prevention-oriented or address social needs are often held to a cost standard,' Seligman said. 'This is a double standard because we approve new medications for use based on whether they work — not whether they save money,' she said. 'Healthy food can be more effective than medication in preventing and treating chronic disease, at least over the long term. This should be all we need to know to justify their cost.' Seligman reported receiving honoraria from the AHA's Feeding America program. Berkowitz reported receiving research grants from the National Institutes of Health, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the AHA, the American Diabetes Association, and Feeding America; personal fees from the Rockefeller Foundation and the Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition; and royalties from Johns Hopkins University Press. Katherine Wandersee has more than 30 years' experience as a medical writer for professional medical audiences. Lead image: Moment/Getty Images
