Vietnam veterans with PTSD – like chronic smokers – are at higher risk of early death from heart disease.

A new Geisinger study finds that Vietnam veterans who experienced posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were twice as likely to die from heart disease as veterans without PTSD. In a study published in the July issue of Psychosomatic Medicine, Geisinger Senior Investigator Joseph Boscarino, PhD, MPH examined the prevalence of heart disease, PTSD and other problems in more than 4,000 Vietnam veterans. The more severe the PTSD diagnosis, the greater the likelihood of death from heart disease, the study showed.

Vietnam veterans with PTSD–like chronic smokers-are at higher risk of early death from heart disease, Dr. Boscarino concluded. Boscarino says that PTSD equates to smoking two to three packs of cigarettes per day for more than 20 years.

The body releases stress hormones in reaction to PTSD, which leads to inflammation and damage to the arteries and cardiovascular system. “Increased levels of stress hormones and less cortisol from PTSD are a bad combination,” Dr. Boscarino explained. “Basically, PTSD just cooks your arteries in this situation.”

“The science is conclusively showing that if you suffer psychological trauma, it’s going to take a toll on your physical health,” Dr. Boscarino said.

“Getting counseling today is critical to avoiding a related problem tomorrow.”