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Is post-traumatic stress disorder related to development of heart disease?

Laura D Kubzansky1, Karestan C Koenen

  • 1Department of Society, Human Development & Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. lkubzans@hsph.harvard.edu

Future Cardiology
|October 7, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly elevates coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. This prospective study confirms a link between higher PTSD symptoms and increased CHD, even after accounting for other risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry and Cardiology
  • Stress-related disorders
  • Cardiovascular disease epidemiology

Background:

  • A hypothesized link exists between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and increased coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
  • Empirical evidence supporting this association has been limited.
  • Understanding this relationship is crucial for public health and clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively investigate the association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom levels and the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD).
  • To explore potential mechanisms linking PTSD to CHD, including biological alterations and adverse health behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • This was the first prospective study to examine the relationship between PTSD symptoms and CHD risk.
  • Data were collected and analyzed while controlling for known coronary risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Individuals reporting higher levels of PTSD symptoms demonstrated a significantly increased risk for developing CHD.
  • The association remained significant after adjusting for established coronary risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).
  • Chronic stress associated with PTSD may contribute to cardiovascular damage or unhealthy behaviors increasing CHD risk.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate shared pathways or causal links between PTSD and CHD.
  • Cardiologists should consider screening for and managing emotional distress in patients to improve cardiovascular outcomes.

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