Posttraumatic stress disorder increases thrombosis risk: Evidence from a biobank data set

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Depression and anxiety are linked to deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism, especially in women.
• The underlying mechanisms of the PTSD-DVT relationship are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between PTSD and DVT risk.
• To explore whether neuroimmune mechanisms mediate the PTSD-DVT link.
• To determine if these associations are stronger in women.

Main Methods:

• A large cohort study (N=106,427) utilized biobank data, defining PTSD and DVT via ICD-10 codes.
• A subset (N=1520) underwent imaging to assess stress-associated neural activity (SNA).
• Systemic inflammation (hs-CRP) and autonomic activity (HRV) were measured; statistical regressions and mediation analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• PTSD was associated with a 1.66-fold increased risk of DVT (p < .001), even after adjusting for traditional risk factors.
• The PTSD-DVT association was significant in women but not in men.
• Heightened SNA and reduced HRV mediated the relationship between PTSD and DVT risk.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with PTSD face an elevated risk of DVT, with higher risk observed in women.
• Alterations in stress-associated neural activity and autonomic function partially explain the PTSD-DVT link.
• These findings suggest potential targets for preventive therapies for DVT in PTSD patients, particularly women.