Author: Davena Longshore
Published: April 4, 2024
Cardiovascular disease has an annual estimated cost of $363.4 billion in the United States and is the leading cause of death globally (Meinhausen et al., 2022). Commonly, we associate unhealthy eating habits, such as high sodium or polysaccharide consumption, with cardiovascular dysfunction; however, there is a growing number of studies that are demonstrating a more complex onset and trajectory of cardiovascular disease. Arenson and Cohen (2017) stated that persistent psychological trauma elicits neuronal, hormonal, and immunological responses that damage the body and its cells over time. Furthermore, the adrenergic hormone released during fight-or-flight, cortisol, is a glucocorticoid known to impact every body system by participating in cell metabolism, growth, and death.
Cardiovascular disease has an annual estimated cost of $363.4 billion in the United States and is the leading cause of death globally (Meinhausen et al., 2022).
Individuals diagnosed with PTSD have a 61% greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease (Meinhausen et al., 2022). This can be attributed to the impact of catecholamines on the heart. According to Coughlin (2011), increased and persistent sympathetic arousal contributes to the formation of cardiovascular disease by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood platelet formation. External factors associated with PTSD are also contributors to cardiovascular disease. Grethe et al. (2023) reported that traumatic stress can impact eating regimens, increase alcohol consumption, and be comorbid with substance abuse.
Individuals diagnosed with PTSD have a 61% greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease (Meinhausen et al., 2022).
Davena Longshore, CIHC, MIS, MS, Ph.D.
Dr. Davena Longshore is the director of research and development for the Cummings Foundation for Behavioral Health. She has master’s degrees in both psychology and computer information systems. Her most current research centers around the efficacy of wellness programs in law enforcement; however, her previous research was on the improvement of the intimate relationships of individuals with borderline personality disorder. Dr. Longshore is passionate about multiculturalism, community mental health, diversity, social justice and reform, inclusion, and identity development. She hopes to deconstruct and annihilate institutional and systemic barriers for individuals of diverse communities through research, psychotherapy, and advocating within government for the equitable distribution of resources. Dr. Longshore has over 20 years of experience in leadership, advocating for inmates, youth, the gender nonconforming, individuals from low SES backgrounds, and victims of intimate partner violence within the United States and the Bahamas. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Clinical Psychology, the Society for Criminal and Police Psychology, the Society for Prescribing Psychology, and the Society for Human Resource Management.
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