Harvard research finds women who are ‘stalked’ or have restraining orders face higher heart disease risk |

In a new study published in the journal Circulation, research has found that women who have been stalked or taken out a restraining order face a significantly higher risk of heart disease later in life. The research highlights that stalking, often dismissed as a non-physical form of harassment, can cause serious harm to both mental and physical health. The emotional stress and fear linked to stalking may be as damaging to the heart as other recognised risk factors, such as intimate partner violence, grief, and financial stress, underscoring its importance as a public health concern.

Being stalked linked to higher heart disease risk in women

According to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, women who have been stalked or taken out a restraining order face a much higher risk of heart disease later in life.Researchers followed more than 66,000 women over several years and discovered:

Experts say the constant stress of feeling unsafe can raise blood pressure, affect heart function, and damage blood vessels over time. Even after the stalking ends, many victims relive the fear, keeping stress levels high.Doctors stress that stalking is not only a safety concern, it’s also a serious health issue that can have lasting effects on the heart. Support from family, friends, and professionals can help reduce the damage caused by long-term stress. The study also found that women who suffered heart attacks or strokes in the years following these events were more likely to have been victims of stalking or to have sought legal protection.

Chronic stress from stalking can cause lasting harm to heart health in women

Researchers believe the link between stalking and cardiovascular problems is tied to chronic stress. Being threatened or harassed can activate the body’s “fight or flight” response, disrupting heart function, increasing blood pressure, and affecting overall cardiovascular health.Dr. Harmony Reynolds, director of the Sarah Ross Soter Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Research at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explained that such stress can linger. “Perhaps because it is our nature to re-think about things that happen to us, making us experience the situation over and over,” she noted. This repeated psychological reliving of trauma can extend the physical impact for years.

How social support and early action can reduce stalking’s impact on heart health

While the research points to significant risks, experts believe there are ways to reduce the impact of stress from stalking and similar traumatic experiences. Social support is a critical factor. Talking to trusted family, friends, community members, or professionals can help victims process trauma and potentially protect heart health.Previous studies have already shown that people subjected to intimate partner violence face a 30% higher risk of heart disease. While stalking-related heart risk appears slightly higher, the key takeaway is that feeling unsafe can disrupt both mental well-being and cardiovascular function.The findings reinforce the importance of recognising stalking as a serious health concern, not only a legal or safety issue. Healthcare providers may need to screen for stalking and other forms of harassment when assessing cardiovascular risk, especially in women with no other major heart disease risk factors. Addressing stalking promptly, providing adequate support systems, and raising public awareness could help reduce the long-term health burden on survivors. As the study underscores, trauma doesn’t just affect the mind; it leaves lasting imprints on the body as well. The study makes it clear that stalking is more than a threat to personal safety; it is a hidden risk to women’s heart health that can have lasting consequences. The constant stress and fear linked to stalking can damage the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes even years later. Recognising stalking as a public health concern is essential for early intervention. By offering timely legal protection, emotional support, and medical screening, society can help reduce the long-term harm. Protecting women from stalking ultimately means protecting both their mental and physical well-being.Also Read: How to check your lung health at home with the BOLT breathing test: Tips from CMC Vellore doctor