Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating neuropsychological disorder that develops as a result of exposure to physical or psychological trauma. Emerging evidence suggests that PTSD is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). My laboratory examines how stress and anxiety related disorders (i.e., PTSD) contribute to increased CVD risk. Using multi-disciplinary approaches, we investigate integrative (i.e., neuroimmune) mechanisms related to the brain neurocircuitry involved in cardiovascular autonomic and fear/stress regulation. Our goal is to provide new targets and opportunities for pharmacological interventions in PTSD and PTSD-related CVD co-morbidity.
Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, inflammation and stress and anxiety disorders, PTSD ,