PTSD Symptoms Severity and Sleep Quality Predict Vascular Dysfunction in Young, Trauma-Exposed Women Restricted; Files Only

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to sleep disturbances and significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Further, vascular dysfunction and sleep are independently associated with CVD. Uncovering the link between PTSD symptom severity, sleep disturbances and vascular function could shine a light on mechanisms of CVD risk in trauma-exposed young women. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the individual and combined effects of sleep efficiency and PTSD symptom severity on vascular function. We recruited 60 otherwise healthy women (age, 26±7 years and BMI, 27.7±6.5 kg/m²) who had been exposed to trauma. We objectively quantified sleep efficiency (SE) using actigraphy, endothelial function via Framingham reactive hyperemia index (fRHI), and arterial stiffness via pulse wave velocity (PWV). PTSD symptom severity was assessed using the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL5). PWV was correlated with age (r =.490, p<.001) and BMI (r =.484, p<.001). Additionally, fRHI was positively correlated with SE (r=.409, p=.001) and negatively correlated with PTSD symptoms (r=-.382, p=.002). Next, to explore the predictive value of SE and PTSD symptoms on PWV and fRHI, we conducted two separate multiple linear regression models. The model predicting PWV was significant (R²=.49, p<.001), with age, BMI and SE emerging as predictors. Likewise, the model predicting fRHI was significant (R²=.36, p<.001), with both PTSD symptoms and SE as significant predictors. Our results suggests that while PTSD symptom severity impacts endothelial function, sleep efficiency influences overall vascular function in young trauma-exposed women, after controlling for age and BMI.

Table of Contents

1.     Introduction

2.     Materials and methods

3.     Results

4.     Discussion

5.     Acknowledgements

6.     Grants

7.     Disclosures

8.     References

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Laney Graduate School
Department	Clinical Research
Degree	M.S.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Biology, Physiology Psychology, Clinical
Palavra-chave	Vascular function Trauma PTSD Sleep
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Vasiliki Michopoulos, Emory University
Committee Members	Jordan Kempker , Emory University Abigail Powers Lott, Emory University

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