Elevated lipid levels in Vietnam veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder

Background: Elevated cholesterol levels have been reported in panic disorder and anger attacks, but not major depression. No data have been reported in 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 chronic PTSD and are significant risk factors for coronary artery disease. Conclusions: Routine lipid screening may be warranted in this at-risk population. Altered lipid levels may result from activation of the noradrenergic system. Biol Psychiatry 1999;45:374-377 (C) 1999 Society of Biological Psychiatry.