Background: Elevated cholesterol levels have been reported in panic disorde
r and anger attacks, but not major depression. No data have been reported i
n posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Methods: Seventy-three male Vietnam veterans with chronic (PTSD) had serum
lipid screening upon entry to a 90-day inpatient program.
Results: Elevated cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and
reduced high-density lipoprotein, were frequent in Vietnam veterans with ch
ronic PTSD and are significant risk factors for coronary artery disease.
Conclusions: Routine lipid screening may be warranted in this at-risk popul
ation. Altered lipid levels may result from activation of the noradrenergic
system. Biol Psychiatry 1999;45:374-377 (C) 1999 Society of Biological Psy
chiatry.