Recognizing anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder in cardiac patients

Research has established that anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are risk factors for the development of heart disease in healthy populations. In addition, anxiety and PTSD are associated with further morbidity in people with existing heart disease. This article considers whether anxiety and PTSD influence onset and recovery from heart disease. Clinical implications for cardiac nursing are considered, including screening, treatment, and referral on to specialist services.