PTSD symptoms associated with myocardial infarction: practical clinical implications.

OBJECTIVES: Several studies have demonstrated a link between post-traumatic stress disorder and myocardial infarction. We aim to determine what phenotypic features or symptom profile associated with cardiovascular disease may help with early detection and intervention.

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. The study population comprises trauma-exposed Vietnam War veterans.

RESULTS: Variables significantly associated with myocardial infarction from the bivariate analysis were avoidance memories, avoidance reminders and sleep disturbance. These variables were put into a logistic regression with known risk factors for myocardial infarction. Only sleep disturbance retained its effect, with a p-value of 0.015.

CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that sleep disturbance may be a modifiable risk factor in the treatment and prevention of myocardial infarction.