Post-traumatic stress disorder linked to death, atherosclerosis in veterans, research finds
Sunday, November 21, 2010 - 11:30
in Health & Medicine
Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have more than double the risk of death from any causes and a higher risk of cardiovascular death compared to veterans without the syndrome, according to new research. Greater calcium buildup in the arteries among those with PTSD may be the reason for the greater risk of death. PTSD may be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and veterans who suffer from it should receive early evaluation and aggressive treatment of cardiovascular risk factors.