Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2025
Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
Published on: May 3, 2018
Evaluation of Arterial Stiffness in Depression Patients
Burcu Sırlıer Emir1, Sevler Yıldız2, Aslı Kazgan Kılıçaslan3
1Department of Psychiatry, Elazığ Fethi Sekin City Hospital, Elazığ, Turkey.
Insights
Depression patients exhibit higher systolic blood pressure and carotid elastic modulus, indicating increased arterial stiffness. These findings suggest arterial stiffness parameters may serve as cardiovascular risk markers in depression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- A known correlation exists between depression and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
- The underlying mechanisms linking depression to increased CVD morbidity and mortality remain incompletely understood.
- Arterial stiffness is a potential contributor to CVD risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate arterial stiffness in patients diagnosed with depression using ultrasonography.
- To compare arterial stiffness parameters between depression patients and healthy controls.
- To identify potential cardiovascular disease risk markers in depression.
Main Methods:
- The study included 35 patients with depression and 35 healthy controls.
- Measurements included routine blood tests, anthropometrics, and blood pressure.
- Doppler ultrasonography was used to assess carotid and femoral artery intima-media thickness and other arterial stiffness parameters.
Main Results:
- Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the depression group (P=.028).
- Carotid elastic modulus, an indicator of arterial stiffness, was significantly elevated in depression patients (P=.048).
- A significant negative correlation was found between femoral compliance and chlorpromazine equivalent dose (P=.021, r=-0.389).
Conclusions:
- Depression is associated with increased arterial stiffness, evidenced by higher systolic blood pressure and carotid elastic modulus.
- Arterial stiffness parameters warrant investigation as potential cardiovascular risk markers in individuals with depression.
- Further research into the impact of psychotropic medications on arterial stiffness is crucial for managing CVD risk in this population.
Background:
It has been known that there is a significant correlation between depression and cardiovascular diseases. However, the reasons behind this correlation that could affect mortality and morbidity were not fully identified. The present study aimed to analyze arterial stiffness diagnosed with ultrasonography, which could be associated with cardiovascular disease risks in depression patients, and to compare the findings with those of healthy controls.
Methods:
The study was conducted with 35 depression patients and 35 healthy individuals. Routine complete blood and biochemistry tests were requested for all patients, and their weight and height, waist circumference, and diastolic and systolic arterial blood pressure were measured. Femoral and carotid artery intima-media thickness and other arterial stiffness parameters were determined with Doppler ultrasonography.
Results:
It was determined that the systolic pressure (P = .028) was higher in the patient group (P = .028). Also, the carotid elastic modulus (P = .048) was significantly higher in the patient group. A negative and significant correlation was determined between femoral compliance and chlorpromazine equivalent dose (P = .021, r = -0.389).
Conclusion:
It was determined that the systolic blood pressure and carotid elastic modulus arterial stiffness parameters were significantly higher in depression patients. Measurable arterial stiffness parameters should be investigated in depression patients as cardiovascular risk markers. Furthermore, the determination of the effects of psychotropic drugs employed in arterial stiffness treatment could play an important role in the determination of cardiovascular disease risk in these patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
01:15Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.