Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated With Worse Endothelial Function Among Veterans.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Current research in behavioral cardiology reveals a significant association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that patients with PTSD would exhibit endothelial dysfunction, a potential mechanism involved in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.

Methods and results

A total of 214 outpatients treated at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center underwent tests of endothelial function and evaluation for PTSD. Flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery was performed to assess endothelial function, and current PTSD status was defined by the PTSD Checklist, based on the Diagnostic and Sta

SUBMITTER: Grenon SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4943274 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature