Women With PTSD at Risk for Heart Attack, Stroke

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Women who have suffered from a traumatic event that lead them to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be more prone to developing heart attack and stroke.

The research, published in the journal Circulation, found that women exposed to trauma and had four or more symptoms of PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) had a 60 percent increased chance of developing a heart attack or stroke -- compared to women who never experienced trauma.

Meanwhile, women who have experienced trauma but did not report PTSD symptoms had a 45 percent risk of heart attack and stroke.

"This study raises awareness that the effects of PTSD don't just stop in the head and that they have more holistic consequences for health," Jennifer A. Sumner, lead author and clinical psychologist at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health said via CNN.

"Our hope is that providers and patients (with PTSD) can be aware of this link and monitor cardiovascular health and try to engage in prevention efforts," Sumner added.

As posted in Circulation, the scientists analyzed data collected from nearly 50,000 women in a long-term research called Nurses' Health Study II. This study began in 1989, CNN noted.

According to the Huffington Post, the long-running study asked the participants to fill in any heart attack or stroke experience every two years for two decades.

In 2008, the subjects were asked to report traumatic experiences such as physical assault or a natural disaster, and indicate whether they developed PTSD systems because of the events.

The researchers were surprised to find that women who experienced trauma but did not have PTSD symptoms still had a significant risk of heart attack and stroke. Sumner said that it was not very consistent with other findings. She believes those who experienced trauma could unknowingly have increased stress levels and cortisol, a hormone linked to heart attack risk.

Maybe some of the women who were at greater risk for heart disease appeared to be so were because of the lifestyles they are living such as engaging in smoking, drinking, and other unhealthy habits.

CNN noted Dr. Una McCann's remarks, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who said that alcohol, tobacco and other unhealthy habits can increase heart disease risk and can be more common in people who have PTSD.

PTSD "on its own" is suspected to increase the risk already. Dr. McCann added that PTSD sufferers live in a state of constant hyper-awareness, have sleep troubles and disorders which only worsen the risk of heart disease.

Fortunately, PTSD is said to be manageable with drugs and therapy. Considering the research's findings, improving the condition may also lower the chances of escalating heart attacks or strokes.