However, it is believed since long that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs most possibly as an outcome of sexual assault or violence. But, a team of researchers at Columbia University Medical Center, in New York City says that heart attacks may be one of the causes.
The study recently published in the journal PLoS ONE by Donald Edmondson and colleagues has revealed that many people who survive a heart attack are often risked at developing symptoms of PTSD due to an adverse affect on prognosis.
While previously the attack was linked to depression, it is now being related to the realization of flashbacks, elevated blood pressure or frequent nightmares, all of which contribute to the symptoms of the anxiety disorder.
Edmondson, who is an Assistant Professor of behavioral medicine says that heart attacks are however common, but are extremely frightening experiences. The reason behind the same is that the sudden disturbance in the blood flow to the heart totally disturbs the sufferer.
“As a cardiologist, my main focus is opening the artery and making sure the medication is appropriate. Most doctors aren’t thinking about whether the person is scared or traumatized at that point”, Dr. Ramin Ebrahimi, University of California’s interventional cardiologist.
