Cardiovascular disease status in male combat veterans who seek care at VA with and without PTSD

This retrospective study examines the differing relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD) among male combat veterans seeking care within a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). To complete this study a collection of archival data is examined. Records for 200 veterans with experience in the Persian Gulf, Vietnam, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom are compiled. All subjects received care at a VAMC between the years of 2004 and 2005. Subjects are researched and placed into one of two groups; the first 100 veterans are those diagnosed with combat-related PTSD (using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, or CAPS). These subjects are compared to the remaining 100 veterans who lack a PTSD diagnosis, but received treatment within the primary care clinic (PCC) for other medical or psychiatric concerns during the same time period. Results are measured using a chi square analysis, and show no statistically significant difference between veterans with or without a combat-related PTSD diagnosis suggesting a lack in relationship between the presence of CVD and PTSD.