Microvascular and macrovascular endothelial function were weakly associated (r=0.30, p=0.013) in trauma-exposed premenopausal women, remaining consistent after accounting for PTSD and depression.
Cross-Sectional (n=55)
Is there an association between microvascular and macrovascular endothelial function in trauma-exposed premenopausal women?
Microvascular and macrovascular endothelial function are only weakly associated in trauma-exposed premenopausal women, suggesting differential regulation and supporting the need to assess both vascular beds for comprehensive clinical evaluation.
Effect estimate: r=0.30
p-value: p=0.013
Women suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). A well-known risk factor and precursor to CVD is endothelial dysfunction. Existing literature supports that both microvascular and macrovascular endothelial function are largely independent of each other in inflammatory conditions. Therefore, given the pro-inflammatory nature of trauma, the goal of the present study was to examine the relationship between microvascular and macrovascular endothelial function in trauma-exposed premenopausal women. We recruited 55 women age, 27 ± 7 years, body mass index (BMI), 27.3 ± 7.0 kg/m 2 who had been exposed to trauma. We collected mental health questionnaires and anthropometric data. We objectively quantified microvascular endothelial function via Framingham reactive hyperemia index (fRHI) and macrovascular endothelial function via flow-mediated dilation (FMD). PTSD symptom severity was assessed using the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (PCL5) and depression symptom severity using the Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI). We first ran a bivariate Pearson correlation investigating the association between fRHI and FMD, and secondly a partial correlation accounting for PCL5 and BDI individually. We found a positive but weak correlation between fRHI and FMD (r=0.30, p=0.013). The correlation remained consistent even after accounting for PCL5 (r=0.276, p=0.022) and BDI (r=0.295, p=0.015) separately. In conclusion, microvascular and macrovascular endothelial function in our sample of trauma-exposed premenopausal women are weakly associated, suggesting somewhat differential regulation of endothelial function in these two vascular beds. This finding supports previous recommendations that assessments of both vascular beds is needed for meaningful clinical information on vascular function in at-risk populations. Support or Funding Information: This study was supported by grants K01HL161027, R03HL174817, UMN CTSI UL1TR002494 and U54AT012307. This abstract was presented at the American Physiology Summit 2026 and is only available in HTML format. There is no downloadable file or PDF version. The Physiology editorial board was not involved in the peer review process.
Bracewell et al. (Fri,) conducted a cross-sectional in Trauma exposure (n=55). Microvascular and macrovascular endothelial function were weakly associated (r=0.30, p=0.013) in trauma-exposed premenopausal women, remaining consistent after accounting for PTSD and depression.