Gunnar Einvik1, Toril Dammen, Torbjørn Omland. 1. Medisinsk divisjon, Akershus universitetssykehus, 1478 Lørenskog, og Institutt for sykehusmedisin, Universitetet i Oslo, Norway. geinvik@online.no
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Depression is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. This review presents data from recent cohort- and interventional studies, and possible pathogenetic mechanisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The article is based on literature from the period 1998 - 2008 identified through a non-systematic search in Medline. RESULTS: Epidemiological studies of patients (outside of hospitals) with clinical depression suggest they have an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Possible mechanisms responsible for this increased cardiovascular risk are: an increased prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle factors, systemic inflammation, endocrine or autonomic dysfunction, increased platelet reactivity or endothelial dysfunction. Treatment with antidepressive drugs has not reduced the risk of cardiovascular events. INTERPRETATION: Clinicians should be aware of the influence of depression on cardiovascular risk.
BACKGROUND:Depression is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. This review presents data from recent cohort- and interventional studies, and possible pathogenetic mechanisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The article is based on literature from the period 1998 - 2008 identified through a non-systematic search in Medline. RESULTS: Epidemiological studies of patients (outside of hospitals) with clinical depression suggest they have an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Possible mechanisms responsible for this increased cardiovascular risk are: an increased prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle factors, systemic inflammation, endocrine or autonomic dysfunction, increased platelet reactivity or endothelial dysfunction. Treatment with antidepressive drugs has not reduced the risk of cardiovascular events. INTERPRETATION: Clinicians should be aware of the influence of depression on cardiovascular risk.