when your heart Heals, but your mind still hurts: Understanding cardiac ptsd
Hello Pulse Point readers!
We often focus on the physical recovery after a major heart event, but what about the hidden emotional scars? Did you know that up to 1/3 of people who go through life-altering cardiac events can develop a type of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) called Cardiac PTSD? It's a real and serious issue, and researchers are finally getting closer to understanding and preventing it.
For almost 15 years, Dr. Donald Edmondson at Columbia University has been a pioneer in this field, studying how this unique form of medical trauma affects people. He, along with Dr. James Jackson from Vanderbilt University, realized that while there are programs for cancer survivors, there weren't many specific resources for those who've been through a tough time in the cardiovascular ICU/CICU/CVICU. As Dr. Jackson puts it, addressing these emotional challenges early on is "crucial because in the absence of early intervention, these problems threaten to morph into challenges that are even harder to handle."
What Does Cardiac PTSD Look Like?
It's not always obvious, but researchers like Dr. Edmondson have found some key warning signs cardiologists can look for. It could be as simple as a 4-point check-in:
Extreme Fear: Was the cardiac event terrifying for the patient?
Focus on Sensations: Do they talk a lot about their chest sensations or symptoms, constantly wondering what they mean?
Sleep Troubles: Are they having problems sleeping?
Inactivity: Are they avoiding physical activity?
If these signs are present, it's a good indicator someone might be at higher risk for cardiac PTSD and could benefit from seeing a mental health professional.
The Road Ahead: Prevention and Intervention
The exciting news is that researchers are now working on ways to help people avoid or overcome cardiac PTSD. One idea is to integrate behavioral health support directly into cardiology clinics, much like how depression care is handled. This kind of "collaborative treatment" could not only improve mental health but also reduce the risk of future heart problems!
Interestingly, some patients who get a stent (a procedure called PCI) might feel "cured" even if their underlying heart disease isn't entirely gone. This "plumbing model" of heart health, while inaccurate, highlights the powerful role of the mind. Researchers are exploring how we can harness this mental power for good, not by misleading patients, but by redirecting that belief in healing.
Technology is also stepping up to the plate. Dr. Jeffrey L. Birk at Columbia is researching how to help patients overcome the fear of their heart event recurring, especially when everyday things like a faster heartbeat during exercise can trigger intrusive thoughts. He wants to understand how these fears affect activity levels once patients are home. And Dr. Sachin Agarwal, a neurologist at Columbia, believes AI-powered tools could offer personalized support, help with follow-up appointments, and even create digital peer support networks. Imagine intelligent apps or "conversational agents" helping patients through their recovery!
This research is a huge step forward. The goal is to help millions of people treat their heart disease without the added burden of mental trauma. It’s about ensuring that as your heart heals, your mind does too.
If you would like support in dealing with the after effects of a cardiac diagnoses or event, learn about what to expect, and build resiliency - please contact me JoAnnGreenCoach@gmail.com
