The biological, psycho-social & behavioural pathways through which ACEs ‘get under the skin’

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) result from exposure to abuse, neglect, or traumatic living conditions, such as parental conflict or substance abuse, occurring before the age of 18. There is a vast body of literature demonstrating the pernicious effects of ACEs on physical and mental health outcomes throughout the lifecourse, including cardiovascular health risks and outcomes.