Research from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) indicates that early mental health treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can significantly reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This groundbreaking study suggests that addressing the psychological impacts of trauma promptly may lead to a 50% decrease in cardiovascular complications associated with PTSD.
Dr. Jennifer Sumner, a clinical psychologist at UCLA, emphasizes the widespread nature of trauma, stating, “The majority of people will undergo a traumatic event at least once in their lifetime.” Trauma manifests in various forms, from physical injuries sustained in accidents to emotional distress following events like natural disasters or the unexpected loss of loved ones. For many individuals, initial reactions such as nightmares and intrusive thoughts persist without treatment, leading to a formal diagnosis of PTSD after a month of ongoing symptoms.
The relationship between PTSD and cardiovascular disease is well-documented, with research indicating a 50–60% increased risk of coronary heart disease among those suffering from PTSD. Dr. Sumner’s investigations have focused not only on the general population but also on specific groups, such as women, who have historically been underrepresented in studies yet face unique vulnerabilities regarding mental and cardiovascular health following trauma.
In a significant finding, Dr. Sumner’s lab discovered that mental health interventions can mitigate these risks. In a sample of over 600,000 women veterans receiving care through the U.S. Veterans Health Administration, the administration of antidepressants was shown to reduce the onset of cardiovascular disease, particularly among patients with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Working alongside Dr. Ramin Ebrahimi, a cardiologist affiliated with UCLA and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the research team examined cardiovascular disease rates over several years in women prescribed antidepressants.
Their study, published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, revealed that antidepressant use halved the risk of developing cardiovascular disease over a five-year span when compared to women veterans not receiving antidepressant treatment. Dr. Sumner and her colleagues are now extending their research to explore how leading psychotherapies and antidepressants affect cardiovascular disease risk in both male and female veterans.
Expanding Research on PTSD and Heart Health
The current study aims to analyze health data from approximately 2 million veterans with PTSD, a substantial increase from previous research. Dr. Sumner’s team will investigate the correlation between cardiovascular disease risk and established PTSD treatments, including trauma-focused psychotherapies like prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapy, alongside antidepressant medications.
“There have been major efforts to make these psychotherapy treatments widely available in the VA,” Dr. Sumner notes. “Thus, we have a unique opportunity to examine how these leading treatments may impact cardiovascular health—something we couldn’t do easily in such a large sample without the VA data.”
Dr. Sumner highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues stemming from trauma as a preventative measure for heart health, which could yield substantial long-term benefits. Given the prevalence of trauma and PTSD, her research has the potential to assist countless individuals across the nation.
The research, including the veteran study, has received support from multiple competitive federal grants from the National Institutes of Health since Dr. Sumner obtained her first postdoctoral grant. “The funding we receive from taxpayers means we have a responsibility to create this knowledge and improve the health of the public at large,” Dr. Sumner states.
In addition to examining treatment efficacy, Dr. Sumner’s lab is investigating the underlying causes of cardiovascular risks associated with PTSD. Factors such as increased smoking, reduced physical activity, higher alcohol consumption, and poor dietary choices may contribute to these risks, often as coping mechanisms.
“There are also signs of a physiological component,” she adds, noting that individuals with PTSD exhibit greater systemic inflammation, which can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease and accelerated aging.
As research continues, Dr. Sumner remains optimistic about deepening the understanding of how trauma influences cardiovascular health and identifying the most effective treatments for diverse populations. Her confidence stems from the belief that ongoing studies will enhance healthcare and improve lives, offering hope to those affected by the far-reaching consequences of trauma.
