Overview
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
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