Exercise to lower heart and artery risk in people with PTSD

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults aged 18–65 with trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms who also have evidence of or elevated risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease will be enrolled. Participants will complete a supervised exercise intervention while undergoing non-invasive PET/MRI imaging to measure brain activity and arterial inflammation. Imaging and clinical measures will be obtained before and after the intervention to document any changes. The protocol excludes people with certain neurological conditions, unstable cardiac issues, or specific cardiovascular medications that could confound imaging or exercise safety.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-65 years
* Trauma exposure
* PTSD symptoms
* Subclinical atherosclerotic CVD (e.g., coronary, cerebrovascular, or peripheral arterial plaque or calcifications on imaging), clinical atherosclerotic CVD (e.g., myocardial infarction or revascularization), or increased risk for atherosclerotic CVD (i.e., \>2 of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and active smoking)
* Ability to understand and sign informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of stroke, brain surgery, or seizure
* Use of certain CVD medications (e.g., beta-blockers, high-intensity statins \[e.g., rosuvastatin 20/40 mg and atorvastatin 40/80 mg\], PCSK-9 inhibitors)
* Psychiatric or cardiovascular medication change within 4 weeks (i.e., stable regimen is allowed)
* Unstable blood pressure or cardiac arrhythmia
* Currently in a supervised or graduated exercise program
* Neurological or systemic inflammatory disease/current systemic anti-inflammatory therapy
* Moderate/severe alcohol/substance use disorder
* Current mania/psychosis
* Weight \>300 lbs.
* Claustrophobia
* Pregnancy
* Metal implants
* Uncontrolled hyperglycemia (HgbA1c\>7.5%)
* Subjects who have had significant radiation exposure as part of research (\>2 nuclear tests, computed tomography images, or fluoroscopic procedures) during the preceding 12-months

Where it's running

• Massachusetts General Hospital
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Antonia Seligowski, PhD
• Email: aseligowski@mgh.harvard.edu
• Phone: 617-643-0954

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.