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Elevated lipid levels in Vietnam veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder
1Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA School of Medicine, USA.
Background:
Elevated cholesterol levels have been reported in panic disorder and anger attacks, but not major depression. No data have been reported in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Methods:
Seventy-three male Vietnam veterans with chronic (PTSD) had serum lipid screening upon entry to a 90-day inpatient program.
Results:
Elevated cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and reduced high-density lipoprotein, were frequent in Vietnam veterans with chronic PTSD and are significant risk factors for coronary artery disease.
Conclusions:
Routine lipid screening may be warranted in this at-risk population. Altered lipid levels may result from activation of the noradrenergic system.
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