Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents
06:55

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents

Published on: December 2, 2015

Depression is associated with flatter cortisol rhythms in patients with coronary artery disease

Mimi R Bhattacharyya1, Gerard J Molloy, Andrew Steptoe

  • 1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK. m.bhattacharyya@ucl.ac.uk

Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|July 29, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Depressed patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) exhibit flatter cortisol rhythms, potentially worsening atherosclerosis. This study links depressive symptoms to altered daily cortisol patterns in individuals with suspected CAD.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Depression is linked to coronary heart disease (CHD), but mechanisms remain unclear.
  • Cortisol plays a role in coronary artery disease (CAD) development.
  • Limited evidence directly connects depression, cortisol, and CAD in patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate daily cortisol output in patients with suspected CAD.
  • To assess the relationship between depressive symptoms and cortisol patterns in these patients.

Main Methods:

  • Eighty-eight patients with suspected CAD provided saliva samples over a day.
  • Depressive mood was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory.
  • Actigraphy objectively determined waking times.

Main Results:

  • A flatter daily cortisol slope was observed in more depressed patients with CAD (P<.001), not in those without CAD (P=.68).
  • This flatter rhythm resulted from lower morning and higher evening cortisol levels in depressed CAD patients.
  • Higher cortisol upon waking was noted in CAD patients versus non-CAD patients (P=.04), unrelated to depression.

Conclusions:

  • Altered cortisol rhythms in depressed patients with CAD may contribute to coronary atherosclerosis progression.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Association Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder04:33

Association Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Published on: April 26, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Depressive Disorders: Etiology01:27

Depressive Disorders: Etiology

Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia01:27

Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia

Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...