Hypothesis
Combat-related traumatic limb amputation is associated with increased CVD risk as evidenced by increased cardiometabolic risk as shown by 1. Greater abdominal obesity (visceral fat volume and % body fat) 2. a more atherogenic lipid profile using the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) 3. higher vascular inflammation (increased hsCRP) and systemic inflammatory index (SII) 4. Reduced 6-minute walk distance and physical activity 5. Worsening injury severity and amputation will be independently linked to higher AIP.
Summary
To examine whether there is evidence of increased subclinical CVD risk among the amputees and injured without amputations versus the exposed non-injured. The influence of previous combat-related traumatic injury (CRTI) with associated limb amputation on the atherogenic index of plasma and novel biomarkers of subclinical cardiovascular risk has not been examined and was the primary aim of this study. This extends the previous Heart paperwork with a focus on amputees and several different yet novel biomarkers.
Keywords
Amputation, Cardiovascular, Inflammation, Biomarkers