Impact of Persistent Combat-Related PTSD on Heart Disease and Chronic Disease Comorbidity in Aging Vietnam Veterans (May 2025)-Impact of Persistent Combat-Related PTSD on Heart Disease and Chronic Disease Comorbidity in Aging Vietnam Veterans (May 2025)

Impact of Persistent Combat-Related PTSD on Heart Disease and Chronic Disease Comorbidity in Aging Vietnam Veterans (May 2025)

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The study investigated the long-term effects of combat and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on heart disease and other chronic conditions in Vietnam veterans. Conducted over 35 years, it involved three waves of surveys among a cohort of 12,400 male veterans, with a particular focus on those deployed to Vietnam. Findings indicate that both combat exposure and PTSD significantly predict heart disease, with veterans experiencing high levels of combat exposure nearly twice as likely to report heart disease later in life. PTSD was also closely associated with a range of cardiometabolic conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol, as well as other non-cardiovascular chronic illnesses like arthritis, emphysema, and chronic kidney disease.<br /><br />The study highlights the strong association between severe combat exposure and a range of adverse health outcomes, reinforced by PTSD as a potential mediating factor. The research underscores the pressing need for robust healthcare support for veterans, given the persistent impact of combat-related trauma on physical health even decades after service. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring and treating PTSD not only as a mental health issue but also as a contributor to broader health complications.<br /><br />The analysis utilized data from self-reported medical histories and applied statistical methods, including logistic regression, to assess the relationships between combat exposure, PTSD, and health outcomes. While recognizing limitations such as reliance on self-reported data and a sample skewed toward more resilient veterans due to the inclusion criteria, the study provides vital insight into the enduring health challenges faced by Vietnam veterans. This contributes to a larger discourse on the need for comprehensive and sustained health interventions for aging veteran populations.

Keywords

Vietnam veterans

combat exposure

PTSD

heart disease

chronic conditions

cardiometabolic

healthcare support

trauma impact

logistic regression

aging veterans