Gaffey’s work focuses on the effects of stress, sleep, and the psychosocial determinants of health— i.e., trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder— on hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk specific to women. Her latest research explores the long-term consequences of sexual assault or harassment on post-9/11 veterans. The study, which identified a link between the incidence of military sexual trauma and a 30% increased risk of hypertension, was published in the journal Hypertension.
The Hypertension Trainee Advocacy Committee award recognizes outstanding research from early career investigators. The award includes a grant for travel and participation in the American Heart Association Scientific Session.