VITALS
Major finding: Military veterans with late-life posttraumatic stress disorder were 80% more likely to develop new-onset cerebrovascular disease during 8 years of follow-up than were those without PTSD. They were also 82% more likely to have a first acute myocardial infarction, 56% more likely to develop heart failure, and 60% more likely to be diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease.
Data source: This was a longitudinal observational study in 138,341 veterans aged 55 years or older who were free of known vascular disease at baseline and were followed for 8 years.
Disclosures: Dr. Byers’ study of older veterans was funded by the Department of Defense. She reported having no financial conflicts.
Full article at: Later-life PTSD boosts vascular risk : Cardiology News.
