Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: A Literature Review and Proposed Mechanisms

Abstract

Emotional stress has long been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), however it is relatively recent that the evidence for a causal link has been more firmly established. While the term posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has only been described since the 1970s, there is now substantial evidence, among various populations, that PTSD is associated with increased CVD risk, and that this risk is independent of other CVD risk factors. Although it is not possible to identify any one single mechanism responsible for the associations observed, it is likely that increased haemodynamic forces, inflammatory and thrombotic changes as well as elevated cholesterol levels are contributors. Despite the logistic difficulties in researching the physiological responses to PTSD, this should be a priority area for future research to guide therapies targeted at reducing CVD risk associated with this major stress disorder.