This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.There has been much recent interest in medical morbidity associated with posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD). Cardiovascular response being a prominent feature of the physiological reactivity that is a core feature of the disorder raises the possibility of enduring effects on cardiovascular function. Studies are mixed as to whether PTSD is associated with an increased risk of hypertension and related cardiovascular morbidity. African Americans have higher rates of hypertension and its medical consequences than Americans of European ancestry. A close look at the relevant clinical and epidemiological research indicates that the studies that include minority participants tend to demonstrate a relationship between PTSD and hypertension and the subjects of a large study that failed to find this relationship were predominantely white. The proposed study aims investigate candidate mechanisms for linking PTSD to cardiovascular regulation and, in particular, the role of nocturnal blood pressure regulation along with hypothesized modifiers of the relationship of trauma exposure and nocturnal blood pressure including the role of trait anger and exposure to prejudice and discrimination. In a subsequent phase of the research we will also evaluate relationships to genetic polymorphisms of adrenergic receptors.Healthy volunteers and people who report having experinced a traumatic event and current endorse experiencing PTSD symptoms will be recruited to participate in the study. During their initial evaluation, all participants will complete self-report measures which assess for trauma exposure and PTSD related symptoms, depression, experiences of discrimination and prejudice, anger management, sensitivity of negative events, orientation towards pleasing others, dietary salt intake, and personal and medical history. Following initial assessment, consenting participants who meet criteria will complete a clinical review to further assess for intensity and severity of PTSD symptoms, physical exam and urine toxicology screen, overnight sleep recording, monitoring of blood pressure and activity level, and , in a subsequent phase of the research, a blood draws.
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