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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: Implications for Future Research and Clinical Care

  • Psychological Aspects of Cardiovascular Diseases (IM Kronish, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We explore the literature linking PTSD to CVD, potential mechanisms, interventions, and clinical implications. We outline gaps in current literature and highlight necessary future research.

Recent Findings

PTSD has been independently associated with deleterious effects on cardiovascular health through biological, behavioral, and societal pathways. There are evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions and pharmacotherapies for PTSD that may mitigate its impact on CVD. However, there are limited studies that rigorously analyze the impact of treating PTSD on cardiovascular outcomes.

Summary

Trauma-informed CVD risk stratification, education, and treatment offer opportunities to improve patient care. These approaches can include a brief validated screening tool for PTSD identification and treatment. Pragmatic trials are needed to test PTSD interventions among people with CVD and evaluate for improved outcomes.

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Funding

This work has been supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (grant numbers R01HL139614 and R01HL160850 (JS)) and the Health and Resources and Services administration (grant number T32HP19025 (AH)).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA

    Anita S. Hargrave & Beth E. Cohen

  2. Medical Service, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA

    Anita S. Hargrave & Beth E. Cohen

  3. Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1563, USA

    Jennifer A. Sumner

  4. Department of Medicine, Cardiology Section, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Ramin Ebrahimi

  5. Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA

    Ramin Ebrahimi

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  1. Anita S. Hargrave
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  2. Jennifer A. Sumner
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  3. Ramin Ebrahimi
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  4. Beth E. Cohen
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Correspondence to Anita S. Hargrave.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Psychological Aspects of Cardiovascular Diseases

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Hargrave, A.S., Sumner, J.A., Ebrahimi, R. et al. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: Implications for Future Research and Clinical Care. Curr Cardiol Rep 24, 2067–2079 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-022-01809-y

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