The physiological manifestations of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been associated with an increase in risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) independent of negative lifestyle factors. Peripheral vascular dysfunction may be a mechanism by which PTSD increases CVD risk via increases in oxidative stress, inflammation, and/or sympathetic nervous system activity. PURPOSE: This study sought to examine peripheral vascular function in those with PTSD compared to age-matched controls. METHODS: Eight individuals with PTSD (5 women, 3 men; age 22 ± 2 years), and sixteen healthy controls (CON; 10 women, 6 men, 23 ± 2 years), participated in the study. Leg vascular function was assessed via passive leg movement (PLM) technique and evaluated with Doppler ultrasonography. PLM-induced increases in leg blood flow were quantified as peak change in blood flow from baseline (ΔPeak LBF) and blood flow area under the curve (LBF AUC). RESULTS: Significant differences in leg vascular function were revealed between groups. The PTSD group reported significantly lower ΔPeak LBF (PTSD: 294.16 ± 54.16; CON: 594.78 ± 73.70 ml∙min-1; p = 0.01) and LBF AUC (PTSD: 57.23 ± 24.37; CON: 169.92 ± 29.84 ml; p = 0.02) when compared to the CON group. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that lower limb vascular function is impaired in individuals with PTSD when compared to healthy counterparts.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/gradposters/1043/thumbnail.jp
