Posttraumatic stress disorder in patients with cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a persistent maladaptive reaction provoked by the impact of traumatic event. Recently, the investigations cause-and-effect relationships of PTSD with the main risk factors, the course and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases has become more relevant. Many studies have shown that patients with PTSD have higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in general and adverse events such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure. Individual clinical factors, pathophysiological and behavioral mechanisms of these connections require further investigation. Timely diagnosis and specific treatment for PTSD are considered important not only for reducing clinical symptoms and improving quality of life, but also for improving survival of patients with cardiovascular diseases.