Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Heart Disease

Abstract

Approximately 15% of patients who have had a myocardial infarction (MI) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery are likely to develop Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the year after the cardiac event and there is substantial evidence linking PTSD with marked distress and poor quality of life. There is some evidence that PTSD is associated with adverse medical outcomes in cardiac patients. Because of the negative impact on quality of life, screening cardiac patients for PTSD is warranted. When PTSD is identified, there are several treatment options, including psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, particularly with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).