This study addressed the link between inhibition of self-expression and increased plaque buildup in carotid arteries; it was shown to lead to stroke or other cardiovascular problems.

These arteries supply blood to the brain, so narrowing them is a major cause of life-threatening strokes.

The findings suggest that a woman's socio-emotional expression may be related to cardiovascular health.

The results revealed that "self-silencing" was associated with an increased likelihood of plaque buildup, regardless of social and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and depression.

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of stroke, and statistics show that women are more at risk of stroke than men and are less able to comply with healing.