The effect of domestic violence on cardiovascular risk

The prevalence of metabolic risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as hypertension and high plasma glucose levels has seen a substantial increase globally. Violence elevates stress and increases CVD risk and yet, there is sparse evidence on the relationship between domestic violence and CVD risk factors. This study presents new empirical evidence by leveraging biomarker data from a large nationally representative survey. I find (i) a consistent positive effect of physical violence on prevalence of hypertension amongst women, (ii) a positive effect of emotional and sexual violence on prevalence of hypertension amongst women, (iii) No discernible effects of perpetrating domestic violence on CVD risk, for the men in these relationships.