Research from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) indicates that early treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest that addressing mental health issues related to trauma promptly can cut the risk of developing cardiovascular complications by as much as 50%. This groundbreaking study brings new insights into the long-term health implications of PTSD.
According to Dr. Jennifer Sumner, a clinical psychologist at UCLA, “The majority of people will undergo a traumatic event at least once in their lifetime. Our goal is to improve the lives of people who experience trauma.” Trauma manifests in various ways, from physical pain resulting from an assault to emotional distress during natural disasters or after the sudden loss of a loved one. For many, symptoms such as nightmares, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts persist without proper treatment.
“When those feelings don’t go away after more than a month, doctors can diagnose PTSD,” Sumner explained. Research indicates that PTSD increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, with studies revealing a 50% to 60% heightened risk of coronary heart disease in affected individuals.
Sumner’s research, which encompasses a diverse population, highlights groups that are often overlooked but exhibit unique vulnerabilities to both mental and cardiovascular health issues following trauma. Women, in particular, face specific risks but have historically been underrepresented in research studies.
The Sumner Stress Lab has discovered that effective mental health treatment can mitigate these risks. Their analysis of over 600,000 women veterans from the U.S. Veterans Health Administration found that antidepressants significantly reduced the onset of cardiovascular disease, particularly in those with PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Collaborating with Dr. Ramin Ebrahimi, a cardiologist at UCLA, Sumner’s team tracked cardiovascular disease rates in these women over several years after they began antidepressant treatment.
Their study, published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, demonstrated that antidepressants halved the risk of developing cardiovascular disease over a five-year period for women veterans compared to those who were not prescribed such medication. This research is part of ongoing efforts to understand how various treatments for PTSD can impact cardiovascular health among both male and female veterans.
As they continue their work, Sumner and her colleagues are examining health data from over 2 million VA patients diagnosed with PTSD. This new study aims to explore the relationship between cardiovascular disease risk and leading psychotherapies, including trauma-focused approaches like prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, alongside antidepressants.
“There have been major efforts to make these psychotherapy treatments widely available in the VA, and thus we have a unique opportunity to examine how these leading treatments may impact cardiovascular health,” Sumner noted. Addressing the mental health consequences of trauma is increasingly viewed as a vital preventative measure for heart health, with potential long-term benefits.
The implications of this research extend far beyond individual cases. As PTSD is a common response to trauma, and many individuals experience various forms of trauma, Sumner’s work has the potential to assist hundreds of thousands across the nation.
Funding for this research has been secured through multiple competitive federal grants from the National Institutes of Health, emphasizing the critical role of public investment in advancing health outcomes. “The funding we receive from taxpayers means we have a responsibility to create this knowledge and improve the health of the public at large,” Sumner stated.
In addition to examining treatment effects, Sumner’s lab is investigating the underlying causes of cardiovascular risks associated with PTSD. Factors such as increased smoking rates, reduced physical activity, higher alcohol consumption, and unhealthy eating habits are common coping mechanisms among individuals with PTSD. Furthermore, there is evidence of physiological changes, such as heightened systemic inflammation, that may contribute to cardiovascular disease and accelerated aging in these patients.
While substantial progress has been made, more research is essential to fully understand why trauma elevates cardiovascular disease risks and which treatments offer the best outcomes for individuals from various backgrounds. Sumner remains optimistic that ongoing studies will enhance healthcare practices and improve overall quality of life for those affected by trauma.
