27 Mar PTSD Linked To Worse Vascular Function in Veterans
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr Marlene Grenon
S. Marlene Grenon, MDCM, MMSc, FRCSC
Associate Professor of Surgery
Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
University of California, San Francisco
Veterans Affairs Medical Center- Surgical Services
San Francisco, CA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Dr. Grenon: In this study, we investigated the impact of PTSD on endothelial function using flow-mediated brachial artery vasodilation.
After adjustments for different risk factors and comorbidities, we found that patients with PTSD had worse endothelial function.
MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Dr. Grenon: Our findings mandate an increased awareness of the impact of mental health disorders and chronic stress on cardiovascular health.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Dr. Grenon: We should collaboratively focus at least some of our efforts towards better understanding the relationship between mental illness and cardiovascular health. Better strategies to manage stress could potentially bring a very positive impact on cardiovascular disease. This could help not only people with PTSD but also people with all forms of chronic stress in their lives.
At the VA in San Francisco, with my team, I am currently building a vascular rehabilitation clinic and program to help patients with cardiovascular disease. Stress management will be one of the main focuses of our program.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated With Worse Endothelial Function Among Veterans
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J Am Heart Assoc. 2016;5:e003010, originally published March 23, 2016,doi:10.1161/JAHA.115.003010
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More Medical Research Interviews on MedicalResearch.com
S. Marlene Grenon (2016). PTSD Linked To Worsen Vascular Function in Veterans MedicalResearch.com
Last Updated on March 27, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD