Women who suffer sexual abuse during childhood have more chances of developing early signs of heart disease, a new study reveals.
Researchers explained that sexual abuse can lead to inner lining thickening of the carotid artery that carries blood to the brain. This may point to early atherosclerosis, or narrowing and hardening of the arteries that augment the possibility of heart attacks and strokes.
The study was conducted on 1,400 American women aged between 42 and 52. Researchers took into account Caucasians, African-Americans, Hispanics and Chinese women. The team found that 16 percent reported being sexually assaulted during childhood. Among African-Americans, the abuse rate was 20 percent.
Researchers found that only sexual abuse and not physical abuse led to higher artery thickness. The team reasoned that stress might be the reason behind the problem.
"These study findings indicate the importance of considering early life stressors on women's later cardiovascular health. Awareness of the long-term mental and physical consequences of sexual abuse in childhood needs to be heightened nationally, particularly among women and health professionals," lead scientist Dr Rebecca Thurston, from the University of Pittsburgh, said in a press release.
The participants also partook in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (Swan) study based in seven U.S. cities launched in 1996.
The study authors then interviewed the women when they reached menopause. They were asked about their experiences of childhood and adult abuse, both physical and sexual. The women undertook ultrasound tests to detect carotid artery thickening.
"Women who have a history of childhood sexual abuse should report it to their physicians and healthcare providers," Dr Thurston said. "If physicians are able, they should ask about child abuse. Considering child abuse can be important in understanding a woman's cardiovascular risk."
The research is published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke.
