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Inflammation, coagulation, and depressive symptomatology in cardiovascular disease-free people; the ATTICA study

Demosthenes B Panagiotakos1, Christos Pitsavos, Christina Chrysohoou

  • 1Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece. d.b.panagiotakos@usa.net

European Heart Journal
|March 25, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Depression is linked to inflammation and coagulation factors, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. This study in disease-free individuals suggests a potential pathway for heart disease in those with depressive symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology
  • Psychiatry and Mental Health
  • Biomarkers and Disease Risk

Background:

  • Depression is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear.
  • Understanding the link between depressive symptoms and CVD risk factors is crucial for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between depressive symptoms and key inflammation and coagulation markers.
  • To examine these associations in individuals without pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Data from 853 adults (453 men, 400 women) collected during 2001-2002 using multistage sampling.
  • Assessed depression using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZDRS); mild depression defined as ZDRS ≥ 50.
  • Measured inflammation markers (C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, white blood cell count, platelet count) and coagulation factors (homocysteine, fibrinogen).

Main Results:

  • Women reported higher Zung depression scores than men (47 ± 9 vs. 43 ± 10, p<0.001).
  • Mild to severe depressive symptoms were present in 21-27% of men and 27-33% of women.
  • Depression scores positively correlated with C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and fibrinogen in both genders after adjustments.

Conclusions:

  • Depressive symptoms are significantly associated with elevated inflammation and coagulation factors in individuals free of cardiovascular disease.
  • These findings suggest that inflammation and coagulation pathways may mediate the increased risk of coronary heart disease events in depressed individuals.
Abstract

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