Childhood Exposure to Trauma Linked to Heart Disease in Black Women

Black women who were exposed to trauma in childhood are at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease in adulthood, according to a new study led by scientists at Emory University in Atlanta.

Over 400 Black adults who had no known history of cardiovascular disease participated in the study. The participants received a cardiovascular screening and completed a questionnaire regarding their exposure to trauma and abuse before the age of 18.

The study results revealed that both Black men and women participants experienced similar levels of trauma during childhood. However, the connection between childhood trauma and vascular dysfunction was only found among Black women.

Based on their findings, the authors believe that an assessment of childhood trauma should be included in medical history intake forms, as it is a strong predictor of future cardiovascular complications in Black women. They suggest future research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms underlying these cardiovascular gender disparities and to determine if certain types of trauma are more impactful on heart health.

In addition to Emory University, the research team included authors from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta.