A recent study led by Telisa Spikes at Emory University reveals a significant link between childhood trauma and heart health in Black women. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the research highlights how early-life stressors contribute to greater arterial stiffening, a condition that can lead to heart failure and stroke. Spikes, an assistant professor at Emory’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, utilized data from the Morehouse-Emory Cardiovascular Center for Health Equity (MECA) to explore these associations.
The study focused on over 400 Black adults in Atlanta, examining their self-reported childhood trauma and vascular health markers. Findings showed that Black women who experienced childhood trauma had higher measures of arterial stiffness, indicating a greater risk for cardiovascular diseases. Interestingly, this association was not observed in Black men, suggesting that women might experience and process trauma differently, with distinct implications for their heart health.
Spikes emphasized the unique chronic stressors faced by Black women, stemming from the intersection of racial and gender identities. These stressors contribute to the early onset of cardiovascular diseases, which are more prevalent among Black Americans compared to other racial or ethnic groups. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and improve heart health outcomes for Black women.
By highlighting the long-term impact of childhood trauma on heart health, this research calls for a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health and the development of strategies to support vulnerable populations.
See: “Atlanta study finds relationship between childhood trauma and heart health in Black women” (March 14, 2025)
