Introduction
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has increasingly been recognized for its effects beyond psychological health, particularly its connection to chronic physical conditions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between PTSD and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), consolidating findings from multiple population-based studies.
The authors reviewed data from 25 studies, encompassing over 4.2 million individuals. Their objective was to clarify whether PTSD serves as a potential risk factor for various forms of CVD, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. This analysis provides a clearer understanding of how PTSD may contribute to adverse cardiovascular outcomes and highlights the importance of integrated mental and physical healthcare strategies.
Key Findings
The meta-analysis revealed a consistent association between PTSD and increased cardiovascular risk:
- Individuals with PTSD had a 1.55 times higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to those without PTSD.
- The association remained significant across subgroups, including gender and study design variations.
- Among specific outcomes, PTSD showed the strongest association with ischemic heart disease and stroke.
- These findings suggest that PTSD is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for confounding factors such as smoking, obesity, and comorbid psychiatric conditions.
Interpretation of Results
The evidence supports a moderate but statistically significant link between PTSD and cardiovascular disease. This relationship may be explained through multiple biological and behavioral mechanisms. Chronic stress associated with PTSD can lead to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increased inflammation, and autonomic nervous system imbalances.
These physiological responses can contribute to arterial damage, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular issues. In addition to biological pathways, behavioral factors such as poor diet, reduced physical activity, and higher rates of substance use among individuals with PTSD may elevate cardiovascular risks.
Conclusion
This systematic review reinforces the association between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases. The findings support a growing body of research indicating that PTSD is not only a psychological concern but also a factor contributing to long-term physical health complications, particularly cardiovascular issues. Considering these results, it is critical for healthcare providers to take a holistic approach in treating PTSD—one that includes screening for cardiovascular risk factors.