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Relation of depression to coronary endothelial function

Eric H Yang1, Shir Lerman, Ryan J Lennon

  • 1Center of Coronary Physiology and Imaging, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|April 18, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Depression is not linked to coronary endothelial dysfunction in individuals without significant coronary artery disease. However, depression is associated with increased cardiac risk factors, potentially accelerating atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Depression is a prevalent condition associated with cardiovascular disease.
  • The relationship between depression and coronary endothelial function in individuals without obstructive coronary artery disease requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between depression and coronary endothelial function.
  • To examine the link between depression and cardiac risk factors in men and women without obstructive coronary artery disease.

Main Methods:

  • Invasive coronary endothelial function assessment using acetylcholine was performed.
  • Patients were categorized into groups based on the presence or absence of depression.
  • Coronary endothelial function and cardiac risk factor profiles were compared between groups.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in coronary endothelial function was observed between depressed and non-depressed individuals.
  • Depressed patients exhibited higher body mass index, increased prevalence of diabetes, and elevated C-reactive protein levels.
  • Depression was associated with a cluster of cardiac risk factors linked to atherosclerosis progression.

Conclusions:

  • Depression is not associated with coronary endothelial dysfunction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease.
  • Depression is linked to a higher burden of traditional cardiac risk factors.

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