Abstract P293: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Exposure to Particular Matter and its Cardiovascular Implications

Abstract

Background: Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is likely that different mechanisms, including inflammatory processes, are responsible for acute and chronic toxic effects. First responders during the World Trade Center (WTC) tragedy have been exposed to PM. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is well-established in the WTC cohort. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a marker of inflammtion and is indicative of increased CVD risk. In this abstract we aim to investigate the relationship between PTSD and PM exposure and its impact on CVD. Methods: We evaluated 816 participants in the World Trade Center-CHEST Program from January 2011 to September 2013. PTSD was defined as self-reported diagnosis and/or a score of above 50 on the PTSD questionnaire. Using the Wisnevsky’s exposure score, participants were classified into four exposure groups, very high, high, intermediate and low. Chi-square analysis, independent t-test, and linear regressions were performed to determine if there was any significant relationship between PTSD, Exposure and CVD. Results: Participants with very high or high exposure score were more likely to have PTSD (p=0.001). Those with PTSD had higher hsCRP which were trending to significance (p=0.053). When adjusted further for CVD risk and exposure, hsCRP was significantly related to PTSD (p = 0.044). Conclusions: PTSD is significantly related to PM exposure in this cohort of WTC responders. PTSD is a condition that not only affects level of function on a psychological level but can also have an impact on CVD health. PTSD and PM exposure should be considered when assessing CVD risk.