The Impact of Mental Health on Cardiovascular Disease in Women.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the current understanding of the impact of mental health conditions on cardiovascular disease in women. RECENT FINDINGS: Chronic psychological stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, adverse childhood experiences, and sexual trauma are strongly associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and worse outcomes in women, especially in women veterans. Autonomic dysregulation, pro-inflammatory responses, and maladaptive behaviors play important roles in the interplay between mental and cardiovascular health. Stress management strategies offer cardiovascular benefits. Mental health conditions and psychosocial stress have emerged as important non-traditional risk factors for the development cardiovascular disease in women. They disproportionately affect women and are associated with a significantly higher risk of adverse cardiovascular health. Mental health disorders produce adverse effects on the vascular, immune, inflammatory, and metabolic processes and can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices, which collectively can exacerbate cardiovascular disease. Effective management strategies require integrated care.