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Exaggerated Peripheral and Systemic Vasoconstriction During Trauma Recall in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Co-Twin
Zachary T Martin1, Amit J Shah2, Yi-An Ko1
1Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
Biological Psychiatry
|December 24, 2023
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to greater blood vessel constriction during trauma recall. This exaggerated vasoconstriction may explain the increased cardiovascular disease risk in individuals with PTSD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Psychophysiology
- Twin Studies
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
- Mechanisms linking PTSD to CVD are not fully understood.
- This study investigated vascular responses to trauma recall in PTSD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if individuals with PTSD exhibit heightened peripheral and systemic vasoconstriction during personalized trauma recall.
- To explore the psychophysiological mechanisms underlying PTSD and CVD risk.
Main Methods:
- A co-twin control study design was used with 179 older male twins.
- Lifetime PTSD history and current PTSD symptoms were assessed.
- Peripheral and systemic vascular tone were measured during neutral and trauma script listening.
Main Results:
- Participants with PTSD history showed significantly greater peripheral and systemic vasoconstriction during trauma recall compared to their non-PTSD co-twins.
- These findings persisted after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, medication, heart rate, and blood pressure.
- Current PTSD symptom severity correlated with these exaggerated vascular responses.
Conclusions:
- PTSD is associated with exaggerated vasoconstrictor responses to trauma reminders.
- These exaggerated vascular responses may contribute to the elevated CVD risk observed in individuals with PTSD.
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