HEART DISEASE COMMUNITY
PTSD and heart disease and hypertension

PTSD and heart disease and hypertension

I am veteran of Vietnam who was engaged in heavy combat in 1968 and 69.  I have suffered from post traumatic stress syndrome since returning and have been treated in recent years. I have had the typical chronic symptoms of nightmares, anxiety, sleeplessness, restlesness and depression over the many years since I returned.  There is absolutely no family history of hypertension or coronary heart disease on either of my parents side of the family nor have either of my two siblings ever had heart attacks or hypertension.  I had my first heart attack at the age of 37, the second at age 41 and my third at 58.  I had a triple coronary bypass surgery done after the second heart attack.  My hypertansion appears relatively normal during the day time but elevates dramatically during the night and early morning( 175/130). Because it appears relatively normal during the day time, it was not diagnosed as being elevated until about ten years ago.
     My question is:  Is it likely that my having suffered from PTSD has been contributory or causitive of my coronary heart disease and hypertension?
Related Discussions
2 Comments Post a Comment
Blank
391561_tn?1227050815
Hello, I'm Steve. I would first like to THANK YOU for your service for our country. I am sorry to hear of your continued suffering. I am sorry, but I am not familiar with the effects of PTSD. Since stress in general can cause hypertension,I would think that it would be plausible. I hope that you find your answers and peace soon. Thanks again. In health, Steve
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
I never spent any time in war but did serve during Vietnam (stateside) but was assaulted in service:  so there got PTSD. I would think that one under a lot of stress from PTSD/combat or other cause:  could suffer from hypertension and heart disease:  I have the hypertension and blockage in the major veins in neck.  so the stress alone could be cause (as far as I know) from just going through what you or I did.  Hope this helps in someway.
Blank
Post a Comment
To
Comment
Post A Comment
Go
Blank
Heart Rhythm Tracker
Log your arrhythmias
Start Tracking Now
Blank
Cholesterol Tracker
Log cholesterol over time
Start Tracking Now
MedHelp Health Answers
Submit
Top Heart Disease Answerers
976897_tn?1317787410
Blank
ed34
watford, United Kingdom
159619_tn?1318997813
Blank
erijon
Salt Lake City, UT
63984_tn?1333142839
Blank
Flycaster305
OR
187666_tn?1331176945
Blank
ireneo
Portland, OR
237039_tn?1264261657
Blank
ChatterAlly
Lake Jackson, TX
1124887_tn?1313758491
Blank
is_something_wrong
Oslo, Norway
RSS Expert Activity
1741471_tn?1336957856
Blank
LIVE WEBINAR TOMORROW!-SUPER BODY, ... Blank
May 22 by Michael Gonzalez-WallaceBlank
2126606_tn?1335910182
Blank
Fibromyalgia Awareness
May 11 by Clare Waismann Kavin, RASBlank
2126606_tn?1335910182
Blank
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia reduces...
May 03 by Clare Waismann Kavin, RASBlank