Trauma May Impact Women’s Heart Health

March 14th, 2018

Traumatic events are known to affect a person’s mental health, but new research from the University of Pittsburgh shows that trauma may also have a negative impact on physical health. Pitt researcher Rebecca Thurston, PhD, found that women with a greater number of traumatic events, particularly three or more, had signs of poorer endothelial function—an indicator that the blood vessels are not working as well as they should. Ultimately, endothelial dysfunction can lead to cardiovascular problems like heart disease and stroke.

Researchers asked 272 women aged 40-60 with no history of heart disease about traumatic life events including serious accidents, natural disasters, life-threatening illness, unwanted sexual contact, death of a child, threat of injury or violence, or witnessing a severe injury or death. Physical tests were also performed to assess heart health, including a special type of ultrasound that allows researchers to measure flow-mediated dilation, or how well blood vessels are able to relax in response to blood pressure on the vessel wall.

Dr. Thurston and her team found that women who reported a greater number of traumatic events showed lower flow-mediated dilation, which suggests poorer endothelial function and an increased risk of heart disease. The most commonly reported traumatic event reported was unwanted sexual contact (22%), but having a major accident was the traumatic event most strongly associated with endothelial dysfunction.   

Researchers hope their findings will lead to better strategies for early intervention and prevention foe women at high risk for heart and vascular disease, and will encourage healthcare providers to consider a woman’s trauma history when assessing her health.