Research from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) indicates that early mental health treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest that addressing the mental health impacts of trauma promptly may lead to a remarkable reduction in such health complications, potentially cutting the risk of cardiovascular issues by as much as 50%.
According to clinical psychologist Dr. Jennifer Sumner, who leads the study, “The majority of people will undergo a traumatic event at least once in their lifetime. Our goal is to improve the lives of people who experience trauma.” Traumatic experiences can vary widely, from car accidents to combat situations, and may manifest as physical pain or psychological distress. When symptoms such as nightmares or intrusive thoughts persist for more than a month, a diagnosis of PTSD can be made.
Research indicates that individuals with PTSD face a significantly increased risk of developing coronary heart disease, with studies highlighting a 50–60% higher likelihood of such conditions. Dr. Sumner’s investigation has focused not only on the general population but also on specific groups that have been underrepresented in previous studies, including women veterans who may face unique vulnerabilities regarding their mental and cardiovascular health.
Impact of Antidepressants on Heart Health
In a substantial analysis involving over 600,000 women veterans from the U.S. Veterans Health Administration, Dr. Sumner’s lab discovered that antidepressants could effectively reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease, particularly among patients diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, and/or depression. Collaborating with Dr. Ramin Ebrahimi, a cardiologist at UCLA and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the team tracked the onset of cardiovascular diseases in women who were prescribed antidepressants.
Their study, published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, revealed that the use of antidepressants halved the risk of developing cardiovascular disease over a five-year period for the women veterans compared to those who did not receive such medication. Building on this research, Dr. Sumner’s team is now examining how leading psychotherapies and antidepressants for PTSD affect cardiovascular disease risk among both men and women veterans. This new study is set to analyze health data from approximately 2 million VA patients with PTSD, significantly expanding the sample size of previous research.
Addressing Trauma for Long-term Health Benefits
Dr. Sumner emphasized the potential of treating the mental health consequences of trauma as a preventative measure for heart health, with lasting benefits. Given that PTSD is a widespread reaction to trauma, her research aims to contribute positively to the well-being of countless individuals across the nation. The studies receive support from competitive federal grants from the National Institutes of Health, highlighting the importance of public funding in advancing healthcare knowledge.
“We have a responsibility to create this knowledge and improve the health of the public at large,” Dr. Sumner stated. She engages in community outreach to inform the public about the impact of trauma on mental and cardiovascular health, advocating for targeted screenings to help mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Further investigations are underway to explore underlying factors contributing to cardiovascular risks associated with PTSD. Dr. Sumner noted that individuals with PTSD might engage in unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor dietary choices. Additionally, her research indicates that those with PTSD exhibit higher levels of systemic inflammation, which has been linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease.
Continued research is essential to illuminate the relationship between trauma and cardiovascular disease risk, and to identify the most effective treatments for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Sumner remains optimistic that ongoing studies will enhance healthcare practices and ultimately improve lives.
For more information, refer to the study by Jennifer A. Sumner et al, titled “Antidepressant Medication Prescription and Incident Cardiovascular Disease in Women Veterans,” in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.4088/jcp.24m15647.
