Determining the Benefits of Exercise on Cardiovascular Risk in PTSD

Using Advanced Imaging to Determine the Benefits of Exercise on Cardiovascular Risk in PTSD

The purpose of this study is to use a non-invasive imaging technique called positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) to investigate the effects of exercise on brain activity and arterial (blood vessel) inflammation in people with PTSD symptoms and evidence of or elevated risk for artery disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-65 years
• Trauma exposure
• PTSD symptoms
• Subclinical atherosclerotic CVD (e.g., coronary, cerebrovascular, or peripheral arterial plaque or calcifications on imaging), clinical atherosclerotic CVD (e.g., myocardial infarction or revascularization), or increased risk for atherosclerotic CVD (i.e., >2 of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and active smoking)
• Ability to understand and sign informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of stroke, brain surgery, or seizure
• Use of certain CVD medications (e.g., beta-blockers, high-intensity statins [e.g., rosuvastatin 20/40 mg and atorvastatin 40/80 mg], PCSK-9 inhibitors)
• Psychiatric or cardiovascular medication change within 4 weeks (i.e., stable regimen is allowed)
• Unstable blood pressure or cardiac arrhythmia
• Currently in a supervised or graduated exercise program
• Neurological or systemic inflammatory disease/current systemic anti-inflammatory therapy
• Moderate/severe alcohol/substance use disorder
• Current mania/psychosis
• Weight >300 lbs.
• Claustrophobia
• Pregnancy
• Metal implants
• Uncontrolled hyperglycemia (HgbA1c>7.5%)
• Subjects who have had significant radiation exposure as part of research (>2 nuclear tests, computed tomography images, or fluoroscopic procedures) during the preceding 12-months