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Relationship between depression and subclinical left ventricular changes in the general population.
Yong-Hyun Kim1, Seong Hwan Kim, Sang Yup Lim
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Republic of Korea.
Heart (British Cardiac Society)
|July 31, 2012
Summary
Depression is linked to subclinical heart changes. Moderate to severe depression was associated with altered left ventricular structure and function, suggesting depression may be a cardiovascular disease risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Depression is a known risk factor for heart failure.
- Subclinical left ventricular (LV) changes may precede overt cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between depression and subclinical LV alterations.
- To assess LV structure and function in relation to depression severity in the Korean population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 2420 Korean adults (40-79 years) without cardiovascular disease.
- Echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) assessed LV parameters.
- Beck Depression Inventory-I (BDI-I) measured depression levels.
Main Results:
- LV diastolic function and mass index were progressively altered with increasing depression severity.
- Moderate to severe depression was linked to higher LV mass index and lower TDI E(a) velocity.
- Depression (BDI-I ≥10) independently predicted lower TDI E(a) velocity.
Conclusions:
- Subclinical alterations in LV structure and function are observed in individuals with moderate to severe depression.
- Clinical depression may represent an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease development.
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