Why does PTSD increase the risk of cardiovascular disease?

July 15, 2015

Science Daily/American Physiological Society (APS)

A new review article finds that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) leads to overactive nerve activity, dysfunctional immune response and activation of the hormone system that controls blood pressure. These changes can ultimately increase risk of cardiovascular disease.

The authors found evidence that PTSD leads to overactive nerve activity, dysfunctional immune response and activation of the hormone system that controls blood pressure (the renin-angiotensin system). "These changes ultimately contribute to the culmination of increased cardiovascular disease risk," the authors wrote. Cardiovascular events, including stroke and heart attack, also can be stressful enough to cause PTSD symptoms, "putting these individuals at greater risk for future adverse cardiovascular events," the authors noted.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150715091252.htm