Research Highlights:
Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Wed., Sept. 2, 2026
DALLAS, Sept. 2, 2026 — Mental health conditions, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, depression and anxiety, can develop after people experience trauma. These conditions may contribute to a higher risk of future cardiovascular risks, such as non-fatal heart attack and stroke or cardiovascular death, according to new, independent research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association , an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.
“Traumatic events are common experiences and can include serious fires or explosions, physical assault, transportation accidents, the suicide or death of a loved one, and severe medical illnesses or injuries,” said lead study author Jennifer A. Sumner, Ph.D., an associate professor in the department of psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles. “Experiencing traumatic events can significantly affect mental health as well as cardiovascular health. Although most work to date has focused on PTSD and cardiovascular health, our research suggests that we should think about a wide range of mental health consequences when looking at cardiovascular disease risk after trauma.”
Researchers examined national health registries in Denmark to study how a variety of diagnosed mental health conditions that occurred within three years after a traumatic event were linked to cardiovascular death, heart attacks, strokes or procedures to restore blood flow to the heart.
They conducted a study of adults who did and did not develop major heart or brain conditions following a traumatic event. The goal was to find out which mental health conditions after trauma exposure were the strongest indicators of subsequent cardiovascular outcomes, including procedures to restore blood flow to the heart, heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death, separately in men and women. A wide range of mental health conditions were considered as possible cardiovascular predictors, and machine learning was used to identify the 15 most important mental health disorder predictors of these heart and brain outcomes.
The analysis found:
Researchers were surprised to find that alcohol abuse was the top psychiatric predictor of serious heart and brain conditions for both men and women.
“After a traumatic life experience, individuals may turn to alcohol to cope and help manage their emotions,” Sumner said. “Over time, this new behavior might develop into alcohol abuse, thus increasing their risk of a serious heart or brain condition.”
Glenn N. Levine, M.D., FAHA, chair of the 2025 American Heart Association scientific statement Post–Myocardial Infarction Psychological Distress writing group, said, “Traumatic experiences which lead to mental health disorders can have lasting effects on the risk of developing heart disease. By recognizing trauma, seeking mental health support and managing cardiovascular risk factors, we may help mitigate this risk.” Levine, who was not involved in this study, is also master clinician and a professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and Cardiology Section Chief at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, both in Houston. “This study provides additional data emphasizing the links and interdependence between psychological and cardiovascular health and risk.”
“This study is unique in that it covers a wide range of traumatic experiences and considers a variety of mental health conditions that can start after these events as potential predictors of cardiovascular disease,” Sumner said. “Ultimately, recognizing and treating a variety of psychiatric conditions resulting from trauma is important, and it may have positive effects on both mental and cardiovascular health over the long term.”
Study details, background, design and limitations:
Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript.
Studies published in the American Heart Association’s scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here .
Additional Resources:
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org , Facebook , X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Journal of the American Heart Association
Post-traumatic Psychopathology and Cardiovascular Risk: A Danish Case– Control Study of Sex-Specific Associations