Understanding Cardiac PTSD: The Overlooked Mental Health Crisis Post-Heart Attack

In the realm of cardiac care, the focus has traditionally been on the physical recovery of patients following heart attacks or cardiac arrests. However, an increasing body of evidence highlights the need to address a significant yet often neglected consequence of such traumatic events: cardiac posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent studies have shown that a substantial number of survivors experience psychological distress that can hinder their recovery and increase the likelihood of subsequent cardiac events.

Cardiac PTSD is a serious mental health condition affecting approximately 15% to 30% of individuals who have experienced significant cardiac events, according to Dr. Donald Edmondson, Associate Professor of Behavioral Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. His 2013 study published in the *American Heart Journal* found that those who screened positive for PTSD post-event were at least twice as likely to suffer another cardiac incident within a year, emphasizing the critical nature of addressing this issue.

Dr. Srihari S. Naidu, a prominent figure in cardiac care and Director of the Cardiac Cath Labs at Westchester Medical Center, underscores the emotional toll such events take not only on patients but also on their loved ones. He notes, "Without a coordinated plan during hospitalization to assess both short- and long-term recovery needs, we risk missing the broader picture." The American Heart Association, in its 2020 publication, *Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivorship*, echoed this sentiment, advocating for integrated emotional care starting in the ICU and continuing throughout the recovery process.

The symptoms of cardiac PTSD can manifest in various ways, including emotional numbness, hypervigilance, and avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event. Dr. James Jackson, Director of Behavioral Health at Vanderbilt University, points out that the constant reminder of the trauma can exacerbate anxiety. “If you’re carrying your heart around with you and the heart is the source of the trauma, you’re constantly reminded,” he explains. This cycle often leads to patients disengaging from necessary physical rehabilitation, further complicating their recovery efforts.

Research indicates that patients suffering from cardiac PTSD tend to exhibit increased anxiety levels, which can trigger a vicious cycle of avoidance and depression. Dr. Edmondson's continuing research corroborates this, revealing a clear relationship between PTSD and heightened cardiovascular risks. A 2024 study led by Antonia Seligowski published in *Brain, Behavior, and Immunity* found that PTSD not only increases the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events but also contributes to all-cause mortality within a year of discharge.

The development of PTSD following cardiac events does not have a singular profile; factors such as age, gender, and the nature of the event play significant roles. A 2022 study published in the *Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing* highlighted younger women and individuals experiencing high acute stress as particularly vulnerable. Dr. Naidu suggests that the psychological impact of cardiac arrest, especially when accompanied by complications like anoxic brain injury, can be particularly profound.

Despite the alarming statistics and the clear need for intervention, there remains a significant gap in standardized approaches to screening and treating cardiac PTSD. Dr. Naidu emphasizes the urgency of integrating behavioral support into cardiac care, stating, “We’re missing a major part of the healing process.” Experts advocate for more focused studies to understand the timing and risk factors associated with cardiac PTSD better.

In conclusion, as healthcare professionals continue to refine approaches to cardiac care, it is crucial to recognize the intertwined nature of mental and physical health. Addressing cardiac PTSD not only aids in the recovery of individual patients but can also significantly improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes. The call for change is clear: proactive screening and intervention strategies must be a fundamental aspect of cardiac care moving forward.