The role of chronic inflammation is increasingly central; recent studies demonstrate that the persistent elevation of inflammatory biomarkers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and various pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) partially mediates the association between PTSD and CVD, reflecting a constant immune activation that damages the vascular endothelium [54]. Here, TNF is linked to post-traumatic stress disorder.