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Association between common cardiovascular drugs and depression
Shu-Hui Tao1,2, Xue-Qun Ren2, Li-Jun Zhang1
1Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China.
Insights
Statins show antidepressant effects in cardiovascular patients. The impact of other cardiovascular drugs like ACEIs/ARBs and aspirin on depression risk is debated, while calcium channel blockers
Area of Science:
- Cardiology and Psychiatry
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are linked to a higher risk of depression.
- The influence of cardiovascular medications on depression risk is not fully understood.
- Individual drug effects on depression require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between common cardiovascular drugs and depression.
- To explore potential interventions for depression in CVD patients.
- To advance research on the bio-behavioral links between cardiovascular drugs and depression.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of articles from PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science.
- Inclusion of clinical trials, observational studies, reviews, and guidelines.
- Investigation focused on seven commonly used cardiovascular drug classes.
Main Results:
- Statins demonstrated antidepressant effects.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may have antidepressant properties, requiring further confirmation.
- Beta-blockers showed no significant association with depression risk.
- Aspirin's antidepressant role is controversial.
- Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) have unclear effects on depression.
- Limited evidence links nitrates and diuretics to depression.
Conclusions:
- Statins possess proven antidepressant effects.
- The antidepressant role of ACEIs/ARBs and aspirin remains controversial.
- CCBs are associated with depression, but the nature of this association is unclear.
- No association was found between beta-blockers, diuretics, nitrates, and depression.
Objective:
Cardiovascular diseases are associated with an increased risk of depression, but it remains unclear whether treatment with cardiovascular agents decreases or increases this risk. The effects of drugs on individual usage are also often unknown. This review aimed to examine the correlation between depression and common cardiovascular drugs, develop more potent interventions for depression in cardiovascular patients, and further research on the bio-behavioural mechanisms linking cardiovascular drugs to depression.
Data Sources:
The data in this review were obtained from articles included in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science.
Study Selection:
Clinical trials, observational studies, review literature, and guidelines about depression and cardiovascular drugs were selected for the article.
Results:
We systematically investigated whether the seven most used cardiovascular drugs were associated with altered risk of incident depression in this literature review. Statins have been proven to have antidepressant effects. Some studies believe angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) can exert an antidepressant influence by acting on the renin-angiotensin system, but further clinical trials are needed to confirm this. Beta-blockers have previously been associated with depression, but the current study found no significant association between beta blockers and the risk of depression. Aspirin may have antidepressant effects by suppressing the immune response, but its role as an antidepressant remains controversial. calcium channel blockers (CCBs) can regulate nerve signal transduction by adjusting calcium channels, but whether this effect is beneficial or harmful to depression remains unclear. Finally, some cases have reported that nitrates and diuretics are associated with depression, but the current clinical evidence is insufficient.
Conclusions:
Statins have been proven to have antidepressant effect, and the antidepressant effects of ACEIs/ARB and aspirin are still controversial. CCBs are associated with depression, but it is unclear whether it is beneficial or harmful. No association has been found with β-blockers, diuretics, and nitrates.
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