Experiences of Stalking and Obtaining a Restraining Order Are Associated With Onset of Cardiovascular Events in Women: A Prospective Analysis in the Nurses' Health Study II.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for a substantial proportion of global deaths, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, including those in the Middle East. Consequently, ASCVD represents a major public health priority at both regional and global levels. Many well-recognized modifiable risk factors are involved in the etiology of ASCVD, such as hypertension, T2DM, physical inactivity, dyslipidemia, obesity, and smoking. MetS is defined as a cluster of interrelated metabolic abnormalities that add up to compound cardiovascular risk at higher than individual risk factors of the disease alone., Epidemiological studies have showed high prevalence of MetS in the MENA populations, ranging from 25% to 40% among adults. This widespread prevalence has been attributed to various factors such as rapid urbanization, social changes, changes in diet patterns to a Westernized lifestyle, and decreased levels of physical activity. Further, the MENA region carries one of the highest global prevalence rates of T2DM, a critical component and consequence of MetS. Aside from the central metabolic elements, lifestyle has also a substantial effect on MetS development, including physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary patterns, that are pivotal for formation and advancement of the disease. The large burden of MetS is significantly associated with the rising prevalence of ASCVD in the MENA region. These results highlight the need for targeted screening programs, to improve the effectiveness of the management of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors at an early stage in patients across all age ranges and sexes for an aggressive prevention of ASCVD.