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A systematic review of the bidirectional relationship between depressive symptoms and cardiovascular health

Oluseye Ogunmoroti1, Olatokunbo Osibogun2, Erica S Spatz3

  • 1Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Preventive Medicine
|November 20, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Depression and poor cardiovascular health (CVH) may be linked in both directions. This systematic review suggests a potential bidirectional relationship, highlighting the need for further research into screening and interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Depression is a significant mental health disorder linked to a doubled risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • The relationship between depressive symptoms and cardiovascular health (CVH), particularly American Heart Association (AHA) metrics, requires further clarification.
  • Understanding this link is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review existing evidence on the relationship between depressive symptoms and CVH.
  • To determine if a bidirectional association exists between depression and cardiovascular health.
  • To identify gaps in current research regarding this association.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review was conducted using databases: EMBASE, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science (up to May 2021).
  • Studies were identified using MeSH terms and keywords related to depressive symptoms and CVH.
  • Eleven studies, involving 101,825 participants, were included (8 cross-sectional, 3 prospective cohort).

Main Results:

  • Five studies indicated an association between unfavorable CVH and depressive symptoms.
  • Six studies found an association between depressive symptoms and unfavorable CVH.
  • Evidence suggests a potential bidirectional relationship between depressive symptoms and cardiovascular health.

Conclusions:

  • A bidirectional relationship may exist between depressive symptoms and cardiovascular health.
  • Further research is needed to quantify the risks and understand the biological mechanisms involved.
  • This understanding can guide screening and interventions for individuals with depressive symptoms or poor CVH.

Keywords:
Cardiovascular diseaseDepressionDepressive symptomsIdeal cardiovascular health metricsLife's simple 7Mental healthRisk factors

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