Some Psychological, Gastrointestinal and Cardiovascular Consequences of Earthquakes

In the last 40 years there has been a 6-fold increase in the number of earthquakes worldwide. Devastating earthquakes, 5.5 and 6.2 on Richter scale hit Croatia in 2020 during the brutal pandemic year. Our experience served us as our initial motivation for finding out all clinical outcomes after an earthquake. Previous research has shown increased rates of suicidal thoughts, susceptibility to PTSD and depressive symptomatology. Mental health action plans should be encouraged and well prepared in advance by leading organizations. Studies conducted to date have found that the number of patients with gastric and duodenal ulcers increased as an earthquake aftermath. Other gastrointestinal symptoms were abdominal pain, distension and constipation. Earthquakes provide a good example of how acute stress can trigger cardiovascular events, predominantly through sympathetic nervous activation. Studies conducted to date have found an increased incidence of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmias and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This review reminds us of the importance of treating psychological and psychosomatic consequences of earthquakes.