Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Sleep Disorders: Effects on Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Active Duty Enlisted Soldiers
Abstract
Although military service members are typically viewed as a healthy population, significant numbers have cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and later develop CVD. Risk factors for CVD include a range of physiological, psychosocial, and behavioral variables, and there is evidence that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also may be a risk factor. Several CVD risk factors are commonly seen in individuals with a diagnosis of PTSD, and these risk factors may partially explain why individuals with PTSD have an increased risk of CVD. In particular, sleep disruption is one of the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. It is presently unknown whether individuals with a diagnosis of comorbid PTSD and a sleep disorder diagnosis are at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes compared to individuals with PTSD or a sleep disorder alone. The present study investigated CVD risk associated with PTSD, sleep disorders, and comorbid PTSD and sleep disorders.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 24, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1186109
Entities
People
- Elizabeth A. Belleau
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences