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Posttraumatic stress disorder and cardiovascular disease
Donald Edmondson1, Beth E Cohen
1Department of Medicine, Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA. dee2109@columbia.edu
Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases
|April 30, 2013
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD). PTSD may increase the risk of CVD events and mortality, and CVD can also trigger PTSD, creating a dangerous cycle.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Cardiology
- Anxiety Disorders
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder linked to trauma exposure.
- Observational studies associate PTSD with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality.
- Emerging evidence suggests CVD events can precipitate PTSD, particularly in acute coronary syndrome patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence linking PTSD and CVD.
- To discuss potential biological and psychological mechanisms underlying the PTSD-CVD association.
- To outline future research directions in this field.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of prospective observational studies.
- Analysis of research on PTSD development following cardiovascular events.
- Synthesis of findings on the bidirectional relationship between PTSD and CVD.
Main Results:
- PTSD is associated with a higher incidence of CVD and mortality.
- Cardiovascular events, such as acute coronary syndrome, can lead to PTSD in a significant proportion of patients.
- PTSD following a CVD event may elevate the risk of recurrent CVD events and mortality.
Conclusions:
- A significant bidirectional relationship exists between PTSD and CVD.
- Understanding shared risk factors and mechanisms is crucial for patient care.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay and develop targeted interventions.
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