Women Who Have Been Stalked Have Higher Heart Health Risks

A new study found that women who have been stalked or obtained a restraining order have a greater risk of developing heart disease later in life. Researchers tracked over 66,000 women, with 7,700 reporting stalking and 3,700 getting restraining orders. Those who experienced stalking had 41% higher odds of heart disease, while those with restraining orders were 70% more likely. Women with both histories had double the heart disease risk compared to those with neither. Experts say the psychological distress from stalking can trigger stress responses that disrupt heart and blood pressure function. Providing social support may help mitigate these effects over time. (UPI)