Study: Veterans with PTSD have higher risk of heart attack, stroke

Todd Johnson, the director of Idaho State University’s veteran student services center, counsels and works with a lot of student veterans. As a veteran himself, he’s seen the effects PTSD can have on people.

“Dealing with a traumatic event can happen immediately or can happen years later,” he said. “How your coping skills have developed has a big factor in your recovery.”

Johnson has seen how other abnormal behaviors from PTSD adds onto the mental strain.

“Folks who are struggling with post-traumatic stress isolate themselves. They create the feeling of isolation that they dislike, but it’s a coping mechanism,” Johnson said.

A new studysuggests those suffering from PTSD may not have blood vessels expand normally. This leads to increased risk to things like heart attack and stroke.

Researchers behind the study suspect stress may be to blame here, but cardiologist Dr. Benjamin Call said there’s more work to be done to find out why blood vessels in people with PTSD seem to be acting differently.

Call said the new research is definitely a sign physicians will need to explore psychological factors and their role in how blood vessels work.

“The mind-body connection is a lot stronger than we sometimes think about,” he said. “The mind affects the body in a lot of ways and I think this is some research that’s starting to give us a handle on how that might be the case.”

Call and Johnson agree, when you see the symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it’s imperative to ask for help.

Johnson also adds medication, therapy and good culture is a good combination in dealing with PTSD. With good social interactions, people can ask you how you’re doing and tell you when you’re doing great.

Here are some signs and symptoms you can look out for:

Flashbacks to time in service Avoidance and isolation Hyper-arousal such as anger outbursts Using behaviors to escape (overeating, alcohol/drugs, caffeine, TV, shopping, work)

Here’s also a list of community resources in the area:

Pocatello VA Outpatient Clinic / 444 Hospital Way #801, Pocatello / 208-232-6214 US Veterans Center / 1800 Garrett Way (in Westwood Mall), Pocatello / 208-232-0316 Redford Counseling & Family Services / 1501 Bench Rd, Pocatello / 208-242-3044 ISU Veteran Student Services Center / 921 S. 8th Ave. (Stop 8095), Pocatello / 208-242-4245 Bannock County Veterans Services / Same location and phone number as ISU Veteran Student Services Center Idaho Falls Outreach Clinic / 3544 E. 17th St. #104, Ammon / 208-522-2922 George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center / 500 Foothill Dr., Salt Lake City / 801-582-1565

Here’s a list of national hotlines and centers:

PTSD Information Voice Mail / 802-296-6300 National Call Center for Homeless Veterans / 1-877-424-3838 DCoE Outreach Center / 1-866-966-1020 Military One Source / 1-800-342-9647 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline / 1-800-273-8255