THE LINK BETWEEN POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS DEVELOPMENT (LITERATURE REVIEW)

Tetiana  Oleshko; Oleksandr  Oleshko; Yuliia  Matvieieva; Oleksandr Korol; Roman  Chaikin; Serhii  Zaiats; Oleksandr  Kiriienko; Andrii  Nosov; Adel  Darvish

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

Tetiana Oleshko Physiology and Pathophysiology Department of Sumy State University, Sumy, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5909-5812
Oleksandr Oleshko Public Health Department of Sumy State University, Sumy, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2439-3243
Yuliia Matvieieva Oleg Balatskyi Department of Management, Sumy State University, Sumy, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3082-5551
Oleksandr Korol Public Health Department of Sumy State University, Sumy, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2694-102X
Roman Chaikin Physiology and Pathophysiology Department of Sumy State University, Sumy, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2441-4440
Serhii Zaiats Physical Education Department of Sumy State University, Sumy, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8422-2939
Oleksandr Kiriienko Public Health Department of Sumy State University, Sumy, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9846-9066
Andrii Nosov Public Health Department of Sumy State University, Sumy, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2450-9599
Adel Darvish Surgical Department, Municipal Non-Profit Enterprise "Clinical Hospital No. 5" of the Sumy City Council, Sumy, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3438-8254

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

Keywords: Post-traumatic stress disorder, cardiovascular diseases, autonomic dysfunction, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, cardiovascular risk

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.

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