Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that affects many veterans and can have physiological effects such as heart palpitations and an irregular heart beat (a condition called atrial fibrillation).
The chronic stress and hypervigilance that occurs with PTSD can lead to persistent activation of the body’s stress response, which affects the cardiovascular system.
Recent studies have shed new light on the significant links between PTSD and atrial fibrillation, and understanding their connection can help veterans make informed decisions about their health and their VA disability claims.
Can PTSD actually cause heart palpitations?
Yes. If a veteran has PTSD, it often can cause heart palpitations, especially when connected to a disorder like atrial fibrillation or other heart condition.
It’s important to consider that, while atrial fibrillation can cause heart palpitations, they can also often be a symptom of a wide variety of heart conditions.
To accurately determine the exact cause of heart palpitations, a thorough medical examination is essential.
This typically includes an evaluation by a healthcare provider, diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), and possibly additional imaging or monitoring to identify any underlying heart issues.
How PTSD Affects the Heart
- Increased Heart Rate and Heart Palpitations: Persistent stress can lead to an increased heart rate and heart palpitations, which, over time, can strain the heart.
- Elevated Blood Pressure: Chronic stress from PTSD can cause elevated blood pressure (otherwise known as hypertension), a known risk factor for heart conditions.
- Inflammation: PTSD has been linked to higher levels of inflammation, which can contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation.
What exactly is Atrial Fibrillation?
Atrial Fibrillation is a heart condition characterized by an irregular or rapid heartbeat.
Veterans with atrial fibrillation may experience:
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
Atrial fibrillation can also increase the risk of stroke and other heart-related complications.
Veterans are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation due to the stress of physical demands of military service.
The Link Between PTSD, Heart Palpitations and Atrial Fibrillation
Understanding the link between PTSD and atrial fibrillation is important for veterans who may be seeking VA disability benefits for both and not realize they can be connected.
Recent studies have shown that the chronic stress associated with PTSD often significantly impacts heart health, leading to an increased risk of developing heart palpitations and atrial fibrillation.
A 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that veterans with PTSD are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation compared to those without PTSD.
Additionally, findings from the Heart Rhythm Society also emphasized the importance of early intervention with helping prevent atrial fibrillation in PTSD patients, especially in veterans.
Recognizing this link can help veterans secure benefits they deserve and improve their overall health outcomes.
Early intervention and treatment of PTSD is not only crucial for mental health and overall well-being, but also for preventing serious heart conditions.
Winning a VA Claim for PTSD, Heart Palpitations and Atrial Fibrillation – A Real Life Success Story
Veterans who are impacted by both PTSD and atrial fibrillation have successfully connected these conditions for VA disability benefits before, as demonstrated by a recent case.
Case Overview
In this notable case, a veteran was able to successfully connect his PTSD to his atrial fibrillation and secured VA disability benefits for both conditions.
This veteran, who experienced significant trauma during his service, developed PTSD and later began experiencing heart palpitations and irregular heartbeat.
Key Elements of the Case
- Service Connection for PTSD: The veteran was initially granted service connection for PTSD based on his traumatic experience during military service. This was the foundation for establishing the link between his PTSD and subsequent health issues.
- Medical Evidence Linking PTSD to Atrial Fibrillation: The veteran was able to provide medical records and expert opinions that showed his PTSD significantly contributed to the development of his atrial fibrillation. This included documentation of chronic stress, elevated heart rate and other cardiovascular impacts.
- Supportive Studies and Findings: The veteran’s claim was bolstered by referencing studies linking PTSD to atrial fibrillation, like the ones that were referenced earlier in this article. These studies provided compelling additional evidence that his stress from the PTSD likely led to his cardiovascular issues.
Outcome
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals acknowledged the connection between the veteran’s PTSD and his atrial fibrillation, granting him disability benefits for his conditions.
This case shows the importance of thorough documentation and the use of current medical studies and evidence to help support a VA claim.
Connecting Atrial Fibrillation to PTSD with Secondary Service Connection
The VA rates atrial fibrillation under the diagnostic code 7010 for supraventricular arrhythmias, focusing on the frequency and severity of the episodes.
They are given one of the following two ratings:
- 30% Rating: for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or other types of supraventricular tachycardia, must have four or more episodes per year, documented by an ECG or Holter monitor.
- 10% Rating: for permanent (lone) atrial fibrillation, one to four episodes per year, documented by an ECG or Holter monitor.
If you have been granted a service-connected rating for PTSD and later develop atrial fibrillation, you can file for a secondary service connection.
Here’s how you’d do it:
- Gather Medical Evidence: Obtain medical records showing your PTSD diagnosis, documentation of the onset/diagnosis of your atrial fibrillation, highlighting symptoms like heart palpitations and irregular heartbeat, and any medical opinions that may link your PTSD to your heart condition.
- Show the Connection: As shown above in the case study, providing medical literature and references that support the connection of these two conditions is beneficial.
- Consult a VSO or a VA Disability Benefits Lawyer: Sometimes additional help may be useful, especially if you are filing an appeal after being denied benefits. A Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or specialized lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the VA and provide consultation on where you can strengthen your claim.
Understanding the connection between PTSD and atrial fibrillation is crucial for veterans seeking VA disability benefits.
If you have PTSD and atrial fibrillation or another condition that causes heart palpitations, and were denied VA disability benefits, please contact Hill & Ponton for a free case evaluation, to see if we can assist you in fighting for the benefits you deserve.
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Get a Free Case EvaluationCassandra Crosby, an Accredited Agent and claims advocate for Matthew Hill & Shelly Mark’s teams, reviewed the information provided in this post.
