Researchers at UCLA have discovered that early mental health treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can significantly reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Their findings indicate that addressing the mental repercussions of trauma promptly may lead to a remarkable 50% reduction in cardiovascular complications linked to PTSD.
Dr. Jennifer Sumner, a clinical psychologist at UCLA, emphasizes the widespread nature of trauma, stating, “The majority of people will undergo a traumatic event at least once in their lifetime.” This research aims to improve the lives of individuals affected by various forms of trauma, from car accidents to combat experiences.
Trauma can manifest physically through injuries or psychologically through distressing experiences, such as fear during natural disasters or grief from unexpected loss. For many individuals, initial symptoms like nightmares and intrusive thoughts persist without treatment, leading to a PTSD diagnosis when these symptoms last over one month. Dr. Sumner notes that common coping mechanisms, such as avoidance, often exacerbate the condition.
Studies have demonstrated that the development of PTSD correlates with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with some research indicating an elevated risk of 50-60% for coronary heart disease. Dr. Sumner’s work has highlighted the vulnerabilities of specific populations, particularly women, who often face unique mental and cardiovascular health challenges following trauma exposure.
In collaboration with Dr. Ramin Ebrahimi, a cardiologist at UCLA and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Dr. Sumner’s team analyzed health data from over 600,000 women veterans. Their research, published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, revealed that the prescription of antidepressants significantly decreased the onset of cardiovascular disease, especially among patients with PTSD, anxiety, or depression. The study showed that antidepressants halved the risk of developing cardiovascular issues over a five-year span compared to those who did not receive such treatment.
The ongoing research aims to explore how established psychotherapy methods and antidepressant treatments for PTSD affect cardiovascular disease risk in both men and women veterans. This new study will evaluate health data from approximately 2 million VA patients, marking a significant expansion in the scope of research compared to prior studies.
Dr. Sumner remarked on the unique opportunity provided by the VA’s efforts to broaden the accessibility of psychotherapy treatments, stating, “We have a unique opportunity to examine how these leading treatments may impact cardiovascular health.” She highlights the importance of addressing mental health consequences as a preventative measure for heart health, potentially benefiting countless individuals over the long term.
The need for effective treatments is underscored by the prevalence of PTSD; many individuals experience some form of trauma, making this research vital for public health initiatives. Dr. Sumner’s work has received support from various competitive federal grants from the National Institutes of Health, emphasizing the importance of translating research into better health outcomes for the public.
In addition to treatment efficacy, Dr. Sumner’s lab investigates the underlying causes of cardiovascular risks associated with PTSD. Factors may include unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as increased smoking, reduced physical activity, and poor dietary habits, often adopted as coping mechanisms. She also notes the physiological aspects, including heightened systemic inflammation observed in PTSD patients, which can contribute to cardiovascular diseases and accelerated aging.
Further studies are essential to clarify why trauma increases cardiovascular disease risk and to determine which treatments yield the best outcomes for diverse populations. Dr. Sumner remains optimistic that continued research will enhance understanding, improve healthcare strategies, and ultimately enhance lives.
For more information, refer to: Jennifer A. Sumner et al, “Antidepressant Medication Prescription and Incident Cardiovascular Disease in Women Veterans,” The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.4088/jcp.24m15647.
