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Hypertension in relation to posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in the US National Comorbidity Survey

Jeffrey L Kibler1, Kavita Joshi, Mindy Ma

  • 1Center for Psychological Studies, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Behavioral Medicine (Washington, D.C.)
|December 10, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to higher hypertension risk, even without depression. This finding suggests PTSD independently contributes to cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Cardiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors are more prevalent in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Depression is also a CVD risk factor and frequently co-occurs with PTSD.
  • It remains unclear if PTSD poses additional CVD risk beyond that of comorbid depression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the independent association between lifetime posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and hypertension.
  • To determine if PTSD confers cardiovascular risk independent of comorbid depression.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from the US National Comorbidity Survey.
  • Categorization of participants into four groups: PTSD only, PTSD with depression, depression only, and no mental disorder history.
  • Comparison of hypertension prevalence across these diagnostic groups.

Main Results:

  • Hypertension prevalence was significantly higher in individuals with a history of PTSD (with or without depression) compared to those with depression only or no mental disorder history.
  • The findings indicate that PTSD is associated with hypertension independently of depression.
  • This suggests a direct link between PTSD and elevated blood pressure.

Conclusions:

  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant independent risk factor for hypertension.
  • The association between PTSD and hypertension may partially explain the increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates observed in individuals with PTSD.
  • Clinical attention to hypertension in PTSD patients, irrespective of comorbid depression, is warranted.

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