Post-traumatic stress disorder as a potential risk factor for recurrent chest pain following acute myocardial infarction: A case report

Background Psycho-cardiology is an interdisciplinary field that investigates the complex interactions between psychological factors and cardiovascular health, focusing on the bidirectional relationship between mental health and heart disease. Now it has emerged as an increasingly pressing issue in the field of cardiology, with many severe patients being affected by comorbid cardiovascular disease (CVD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While the mechanisms underlying the incidence of these diseases are increasingly well understood, there is a need for further efforts to guide the diagnosis and treatment of CVD-related PTSD and to explore the associated risk factors. Case presentation A 40-year-old male with a history of acute myocardial infarction developed recurrent chest pain, tightness, and severe insomnia despite successful culprit vessel intervention and optimal medical therapy, necessitating readmission. Throughout his hospitalization, symptoms persisted despite negative diagnostic findings. Following repeated discussion with the patient and his family, anxiety, depression and sleep scales were administered and a PTSD assessment was conducted, revealing that the patient was experiencing severe PTSD, Based on an analysis of the symptoms and causes, the patient was determined to be experiencing PTSD such that he was administered specialized medications and cardiac rehabilitation treatment. Conclusion PTSD can occur following acute myocardial infarction. As it is related to negative CVD-associated events, it is important that clinicians screen for and identify this comorbid condition early, provide timely treatments, and thereby help prevent or mitigate the negative effects of this debilitating complication.