On August 11, 2025, a study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation found that women who are stalked are over 40% more likely to develop heart disease or stroke. The research, conducted by Harvard University and the University of British Columbia, also showed that women with restraining orders against stalkers face a 70% higher risk. About 1 in 3 women in the US have been stalked, per the CDC, often through scary actions like unwanted messages or threats. An X post from @American_Heart said, “Stalking increases heart disease risk by 40% in women, study finds!”
Stalking causing heart problems? That’s really alarming!
How Stalking Hurts Health
The study looked at data from over 66,000 women, average age 46, from 2001 to 2021. About 12% reported being stalked, and 6% had restraining orders, a sign of severe cases. During the 20 years, 3% of the women developed heart disease or stroke. Researchers said the stress from stalking can mess up the nervous system, harm blood vessels, and affect other body functions, leading to heart issues. Even with other risks like poor diet, smoking, or depression, stalking’s impact stood out.
Stress from stalking hurting your heart? That’s so serious!
Restraining Orders and Risks
Women who got restraining orders—legal papers to keep stalkers away—had the highest risk, with a 70% chance of heart disease or stroke. This shows how intense and ongoing stalking can be, as restraining orders are often a last resort. The study didn’t find that stalking directly causes heart issues, but the chronic fear and stress, like getting creepy texts or being followed, can wear down health over time. Researcher Rebecca B. Lawn said, “Stalking seems less serious because it’s not physical, but it’s chronic and harmful.”
Restraining orders linked to 70% risk? That’s a wake-up call!
What Needs to Happen
Lawn, from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, called for more research and training for doctors to spot stalking’s health effects. She said, “We need to raise awareness about how violence like stalking harms women’s health and offer help.” This could mean better support for victims, like counseling or hotlines. The study urges health workers to ask about stalking when checking heart health, especially for women showing stress or depression symptoms.
Doctors learning about stalking? That could save lives!