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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 and atherosclerosis

V G Saleptsis1, N Labropoulos, A Halaris

  • 1Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Greece. billsaleptsis2001@yahoo.gr

International Angiology : a Journal of the International Union of Angiology
|March 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Depression is linked to atherosclerosis, but more research is needed to understand this connection. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of depression on cardiovascular health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Epidemiology
  • Psychiatric Epidemiology

Background:

  • Depression is a common mental health condition.
  • Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease.
  • The relationship between depression and atherosclerosis is complex and not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the existing literature on the interaction between depression and atherosclerosis.
  • To analyze the evidence for depression's role in the development of atherosclerosis.
  • To identify gaps in current research.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search of Medline (1966-2009) and manual searches of bibliographies.
  • Analysis of studies categorized by vascular bed.
  • Review of etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Depression is often diagnosed before clinical signs of atherosclerosis appear.
  • Potential mechanisms linking depression to atherosclerosis include reduced physical activity.
  • Existing research shows an association, but the strength and causality require further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • There is an established association between depression and atherosclerosis.
  • The precise contribution of depression to atherosclerosis pathogenesis needs more research.
  • Prospective studies are essential to elucidate the long-term effects of their interaction.

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