Work

The Link Between Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Cardiovascular Events Development (literature Review)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex illness that occurs as a result of exposure to extremely traumatic events such as war, violence, and the threat of death. The presence of symptoms such as intrusive memories of a traumatic event, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, outbursts of anger, depression, sleep disturbances, and nightmares for a month or more are diagnostic criteria that confirm this diagnosis. The aim of the study is to find out the pathophysiological mechanisms of PTSD development and its impact on the cardiovascular system, as well as the pathogenetic links that combine the development of PTSD with the development of cardiovascular diseases. Materials and methods. The authors have processed the results of scientific publications in the world literature on the problems of diagnosis, symptoms, and pathophysiological mechanisms of PTSD development, as well as its connection with the occurrence of the most common cardiovascular diseases, which will deepen the understanding of these problems and improve the approach to diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Results. It has been established that PTSD is closely associated with impaired autonomic regulation, decreased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, increased tone of the sympathetic nervous system, and activation of inflammatory processes. PTSD-related disorders cause an increased risk of developing hypertension, coronary heart disease, as well as conditions such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. Morphological changes in brain structures, such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex, confirm the profound neurobiological impairment in PTSD. These findings highlight the necessity of early diagnosis, a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, and the development of prevention strategies among populations vulnerable to PTSD. Conclusions. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly affects the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, contributing to the development of various chronic diseases. The identified neurobiological disorders, including changes in brain structures, confirm the deep pathological processes associated with PTSD. The findings underscore the importance of a comprehensive approach to early diagnosis, treatment and prevention, which will reduce the risk of developing serious comorbidities.

Source: Eastern Ukrainian Medical Journal

DOI: 10.21272/eumj.2025;13(2):364-372