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The Role of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Cardiovascular Disease Risk: a Review with Emphasis on Plausible Mechanisms

  • Psychological Aspects of Cardiovascular Diseases (A Steptoe, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Childhood adversity, characterized by abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, is a problem that exerts a significant impact on individuals, families, and society. Growing evidence suggests that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with health decline in adulthood, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the current review, we first provide an overview of the association between ACEs and CVD risk, with updates on the latest epidemiological evidence. Second, we briefly review plausible pathways by which ACEs could influence CVD risk, including traditional risk factors and novel mechanisms. Finally, we highlight the potential implications of ACEs in clinical and public health. Information gleaned from this review should help physicians and researchers in better understanding potential long-term consequences of ACEs and considering adapting current strategies in treatment or intervention for patients with ACEs.

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Conflict of Interest

Shaoyong Su, Marcia P. Jimenez, Cole T.F. Roberts, and Eric B. Loucks declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Georgia Prevention Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, 1120 15th Street, HS 1721, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA

    Shaoyong Su

  2. Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA

    Marcia P. Jimenez, Cole T. F. Roberts & Eric B. Loucks

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  1. Shaoyong Su
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  2. Marcia P. Jimenez
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  3. Cole T. F. Roberts
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  4. Eric B. Loucks
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Correspondence to Shaoyong Su.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Psychological Aspects of Cardiovascular Diseases

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Su, S., Jimenez, M.P., Roberts, C.T.F. et al. The Role of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Cardiovascular Disease Risk: a Review with Emphasis on Plausible Mechanisms. Curr Cardiol Rep 17, 88 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-015-0645-1

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