Violence as a factor in the development of heart disease, myocardial infarction and stroke
Last reviewed: 23.11.2021
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Girls who have been physically and / or sexually abused have an increased risk of developing heart disease, myocardial infarction and stroke in adulthood, scientists say.
Researchers have studied the relationship between violence and heart disease and stroke among 67,100 women. 11% of women reported sexual violence in childhood or adolescents, and 9% reported physical violence.
Women who were repeatedly exposed to sexual violence in childhood or adolescence had a 62% higher risk of developing heart disease. Physical violence, however, increased the risk of heart disease by 45%.
"The most significant factor that explains the relationship between child abuse and cardiovascular disease in later life has been a tendency to obesity in adulthood due to malnutrition.On other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as smoking, diabetes and hypertension accounted for only 40%, "says the study's lead author, Janet Rich-Edwards, assistant professor of medicine at Brigham Hospital in Boston, USA.
"Women who experience violence must take special care of their physical and emotional well-being in order to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases," Rich-Edwards said.
"To help prevent cardiovascular disease in women who have had violent episodes in the past, we need to learn more about the psychological state and lifestyle of this category of people," the study author said.