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Depression and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Risk Estimator in Women
Moschoula-Mina Iordani1, Maria Polikandrioti1, Theodore Kapadohos1
1Department of Nursing, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece.
Insights
This study found that women with higher atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk showed lower depression levels. Physical activity engagement was linked to lower depression rates in women undergoing cardiac evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of death.
- Understanding factors influencing CVD risk in women is crucial.
- Depression is a potential comorbidity affecting cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk and depression.
- To investigate depression prevalence in women during cardiological evaluation.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 300 women undergoing cardiological evaluation participated.
- The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS) was used to assess depression.
- ASCVD risk was estimated using a standard risk calculator.
Main Results:
- Most women (57.4%) had low ASCVD risk (<5%).
- Overall depression levels were low, with a median ZSDS score of 38.4.
- Significantly higher depression rates were observed in women who were physically inactive (p=0.030).
Conclusions:
- Depression may negatively impact ASCVD risk.
- Promoting physical activity could mitigate depression's adverse effects on cardiovascular health.
- Behavioral interventions focusing on physical activity are recommended for women at risk.
Introduction:
Cardiovascular disease remains a major cause of morbidity and premature mortality worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk estimator with depression in women undergoing cardiological evaluation.
Material And Method:
Three hundred women undergoing cardiological evaluation completed the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS) questionnaire which included women's characteristics.
Results:
A percentage of 57.4% of our participants exhibited ASCVD risk <5%; while the 18.3% had ASCVD risk between 5% and 7.4%, the 18.3% between 7.5% and 20%, and the remaining 6% > 20%. In terms of depression, 50% of the women had a score of less than 38 (median), according to Zung scale and mean score was 38.4. In addition, 25% of women had a score below 32. These scores indicate low levels of depression in women. Statistically significant higher rates of depression were found in women who were not involved with physical activities (p = 0.030).
Conclusions:
The negative impact of depression on the ASCVD risk could potentially be prevented by modifying individuals' behavior with regard to their engagement in physical activity.
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