A new study has found a link between depression and cardiovascular disease, which helps further the research surrounding the two ailments. The study, co-led by Simon Fraser University health sciences professor Scott Lear, adds to the compounding evidence that depressive symptoms could lead to an increased risk of heart disease and early death.
The study analyzed data from 145,862 middle-aged participants from 21 countries and found a 20 percent increase in cardiovascular events and death in people with four or more depressive symptoms. Participants who lived in urban areas showed risks that were twice as high. This is a concern as the majority of the global population will be living in urban areas by 2050. It was also found that men with depression had more than double the risk of women for cardiovascular disease.
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Lear explains that the results from the study are timely as experts anticipate an increase in the number of people dealing with mental health issues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people have reported depressive symptoms, even those who are not normally at risk for depression.
Traditional Risk Factors
The results of the study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggest that depressive symptoms should be considered as important as traditional risk facts of cardiovascular disease such as smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Greater awareness of the physical health risks associated with depression is needed and physicians should be aware of them when looking at risk factors in patients.
The results of the study add to mounting evidence to existing World Health Organization (WHO) policies, which are aiming to integrate treatment and prevention of mental disorders into primary care. Researchers hope that this study helps to outline the importance of tackling non-communicable diseases and mental disorders to achieve greater overall health, including cardiovascular disease.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
