“…Stresses that women experience throughout their lives can adversely affect autonomic tone and heart function (Bonomi, Anderson, Rivara, & Thompson, 2007;Campbell et al, 2002;Eby, 2004;Eby, Campbell, Sullivan, & Davidson, 1995;Felitti et al, 1998;Goodwin & Stein, 2004;Heim et al, 2000;Rainville, Bechara, Naqvi, & Damasio, 2006;Schmaus, Laubmeier, Boquiren, Herzer, & Zakowski, 2008;Stemmler, Aue, & Wacker, 2007). Researchers postulate that stress may have a negative effect on the heart through autonomic stimulation (Cannon, 1939;Cohen & Benjamin, 2006;McEwen, 2005;Sharkey et al, 2005;Wittstein et al, 2005).…”