Association between common cardiovascular drugs and depression

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.