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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as a Consequence of Acute Cardiovascular Disease

Mary Princip1, Katharina Ledermann2,3, Roland von Känel2

  • 1Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. Mary.princip@usz.ch.

Current Cardiology Reports
|May 2, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Life-threatening cardiac events can cause posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients and caregivers. Trauma-focused therapy may help manage this condition and reduce the risk of future cardiac events.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychotraumatology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially acute coronary events, represents a significant source of psychological distress.
  • This distress can lead to the development of cardiac disease-induced posttraumatic stress disorder (CDI-PTSD) in both patients and their caregivers.
  • CDI-PTSD can become a chronic condition if not adequately addressed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current evidence on cardiac disease-induced posttraumatic stress disorder (CDI-PTSD).
  • To specifically focus on the impact of acute coronary events in the development and management of CDI-PTSD.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes existing research and clinical evidence.
  • Focuses on the unique characteristics and implications of PTSD following cardiac events.

Main Results:

  • CDI-PTSD is distinguished from traditional PTSD by persistent somatic threat, avoidance of cardiac cues, and hyperarousal linked to internal sensations.
  • Fear of recurrent cardiac events is a hallmark symptom.
  • Increased risk of recurrent CVD is associated with pathophysiological changes, lifestyle factors, and treatment non-adherence.

Conclusions:

  • Trauma-focused interventions show promise for treating CDI-PTSD.
  • Further research is needed on treatment options for patients and caregivers.
  • Long-term effects of trauma-focused interventions on physical and mental health require investigation.
Abstract

Keywords:
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)Cardiac-induced posttraumatic stress disorder (CDI-PTSD)Cardiovascular disease (CVD)Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS)

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