Post-Trauma Mental Health Conditions Linked to Increased Cardiovascular Risk
Source Summary
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association shows that mental health conditions including PTSD, substance abuse, depression, and anxiety that develop after trauma exposure are associated with higher future risk of cardiovascular events. These events include nonfatal heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death.
Why it matters
The research establishes a direct link between post-trauma mental health conditions and cardiovascular disease risk, suggesting that mental health screening and treatment following trauma may have implications for preventing future heart disease.
