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Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports
Published in: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports 6/2013

01-12-2013 | Game Changers in CV Risk Research (D Levy, Section Editor)

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: A Literature Review and Proposed Mechanisms

Authors: Thomas Buckley, Geoffrey Tofler, Holly G. Prigerson

Published in: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports | Issue 6/2013

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Abstract

Emotional stress has long been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), however it is relatively recent that the evidence for a causal link has been more firmly established. While the term posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has only been described since the 1970s, there is now substantial evidence, among various populations, that PTSD is associated with increased CVD risk, and that this risk is independent of other CVD risk factors. Although it is not possible to identify any one single mechanism responsible for the associations observed, it is likely that increased haemodynamic forces, inflammatory and thrombotic changes as well as elevated cholesterol levels are contributors. Despite the logistic difficulties in researching the physiological responses to PTSD, this should be a priority area for future research to guide therapies targeted at reducing CVD risk associated with this major stress disorder.
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Metadata
Title
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: A Literature Review and Proposed Mechanisms
Authors
Thomas Buckley
Geoffrey Tofler
Holly G. Prigerson
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports / Issue 6/2013
Print ISSN: 1932-9520
Electronic ISSN: 1932-9563
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-013-0348-3

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