Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, and many of the risk factors, like smoking or high blood pressure, are well known. But new research out today shows there's something else to consider.

Women who reported being stalked or who obtained a restraining order were likelier to experience a heart attack or stroke over the ensuing 20 years than those who didn't report such events, according to new research.

For the study, published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation, researchers analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study II —one of the largest long-term investigations into what influences women’s chronic disease risk.

A study published by UBC Research Associate Rebecca Lawn shows a connection between women who have reported stalking or filed for a restraining order and having heart-related health problems later in life,