Using Advanced Imaging to Determine the Benefits of Exercise on Cardiovascular Risk in PTSD
Massachusetts General Hospital
Summary
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.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
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 sta…
Interventions
- BehavioralExercise
The exercise program will consist of specifically designed activities to place a gradually increasing workload on the cardiovascular system.
Location
- Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, Massachusetts