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Published on: December 2, 2015
Depression and the risk for cardiovascular diseases: systematic review and meta analysis
Koen Van der Kooy1, Hein van Hout, Harm Marwijk
1VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Depression is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), particularly myocardial infarctions. While evidence shows a link to various circulatory conditions, heterogeneity in studies necessitates further research.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Depression and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are prevalent in the elderly population.
- Depression is a suspected independent risk factor for coronary heart disease.
- The association between depression and other circulatory system diseases requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess depression as an independent risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
- To investigate the impact of heterogeneity and study quality on the observed risks.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analyses and meta-regression of longitudinal cohort and case-control studies.
- Searched MEDLINE and PSYCHINFO databases from 1966 to 2005.
Main Results:
- 28 studies met inclusion criteria; 11 were high quality.
- Depression increased the risk for a wide range of CVDs, with substantial heterogeneity.
- Clinically diagnosed major depressive disorder was the most significant risk factor for CVD development.
Conclusions:
- Depression appears to be an independent risk factor for numerous cardiovascular diseases.
- The evidence is notable, but characterized by significant heterogeneity across studies.
Background:
Depression and cardiovascular diseases are both common among elderly. Depression is suspected to be an independent risk factor for the onset of coronary heart disease, yet it is not clear to what extent and if depression also is associated with the onset of other diseases of the circulatory system.
Aims:
To estimate the risk of depression as an independent risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and explore the effects of heterogeneity and methodological quality.
Method:
Meta-analyses and meta-regression analyses of longitudinal cohort and case-control studies reporting depression at baseline and CVD outcomes at follow-up.
Data Sources:
MEDLINE (1966-2005) and PSYCHINFO (1966-2005).
Results:
Of the 28 studies that met the inclusion criteria, 11 were assesed as high quality studies. Although depressed mood increased the risk for a wide range of CVDs, heterogeneity was substantial in most cases. Only the overall combined risk of depression for the onset of myocardial infarctions (n=8, OR=1.60, 95%CI 1.34-1.92) was homogenous. Clinically diagnosed major depressive disorder was identified as the most important risk factor for developing CVD.
Conclusions:
Depression seems to be an independent risk factor for the onset of a wide range of CVDs, although this evidence is related to a high level of heterogeneity.
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