Cardiovascular Health & Early Stress

Childhood adversity is highly prevalent, with 59% of the U.S. population reporting at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE). Substantial evidence links childhood adversity to cardiometabolic disease later in the life course, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, which are 3 of the top 10 causes of mortality in the United States. ACEs encompass many possible traumatic and distressing experiences, including abuse, neglect, or severe household dysfunctions. It is not surprising that the experience of those extreme events during the first decade of life has tremendous implications for the individual's psychological and physical health.

Inclusion Criteria: Cohort 1 * Men and pre-menopausal women * 18-30 years old Cohort 2 * males and females * 9-17 years old Exclusion Criteria: Cohort 1 * Evidence of cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, hepatic or cerebral diseases * Evidence of pregnancy or currently nursing. * Having a history of chronic pain * Having a history of rheumatoid arthritis Cohort 2 * Evidence of cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, hepatic or cerebral diseases * Evidence of pregnancy or currently nursing. * Having a history of chronic pain * Having a history of rheumatoid arthritis