PTSD a Major Factor in Heart Disease
November 22nd, 2010
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is widely considered a psychological and emotional issue. But therapists and counselors may soon be coordinating their efforts with medical doctors. A survey from the American Heart Association found that PTSD, independent of any other variables (gender, age, other coronary risk factors) is a strong risk factor for death as a result of heart disease. Alleviating, or mitigating, the psychological and emotional symptoms of the condition can go a long way toward improving quality of life for people who struggle with PTSD. But in light of this new study, it’s important to also address cardiovascular concerns from early on. This is one more reason that therapy and counseling for PTSD shouldn’t be postponed: living with the symptoms any longer than necessary may up the risk of heart disease.
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Comments
This is even more crucial evidence for the entire health care community regarding just how much ones mental health can also adversely affect ones physical health.
I know that there have been those in the pst who have poo pooed this suggestion and said that one has nothing to do with the other but there is so much concrete evidence emerging these days that it is hardly easy to ignore that fact anymore.
Studies like this one should be proof positive that both physical and mental health care providers and professionals now have to do a better job of communicating with one another about mutual patients and that this could make a huge difference in the care that someone receives and how effective his treatment is when working together to address all issues involved.
That sure is scary. First a stress condition and then that leading to a heart condition. It couldn’t get any worst in my opinion.
The reason why PTSD may lead to other disease, according to my observation, is because it is a disorder that can have effects long after it started and has the potency to cause some real damage.
So now will we see more counselors and cardiologists working together?
Without a doubt most types of stress including PTSD of course play an important role in heart disease, especially coronary disease and cardiac arrythmias and death.
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