Cardiovascular diseases and depression: A meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization analysis
Jun Zeng1, Yuting Qiu1, Chengying Yang2
1Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, (Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases), Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
Molecular Psychiatry
|April 17, 2025
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depression are significantly linked, increasing mortality risk. This study used meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization to confirm this association and suggest depression impacts CVD development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Depression is a common comorbidity in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients, negatively impacting health outcomes.
- The exact mechanisms linking CVD and depression are not fully understood.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between CVD and depression using meta-analysis.
- To clarify the causal relationship between CVD and depression via bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR).
- To assess the impact of depression on mortality in CVD patients.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 39 studies involving 63,444 CVD patients.
- Bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using the inverse-variance weighted method.
- Subgroup analyses for coronary artery disease and heart failure.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between CVD and depression/anxiety, with an overall depression prevalence of 20.8% in CVD patients.
- Depression prevalence was 19.8% in coronary artery disease and 24.7% in heart failure patients.
- MR analysis indicated a causal role of depression in the development of certain CVD subtypes, and depressive symptoms increased all-cause mortality risk.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant link between CVD and depression/anxiety, elevating all-cause mortality risk.
- Genetically-informed evidence suggests depression contributes to the development and progression of specific CVD subtypes.
- Addressing depression in CVD patients is vital for improving cardiovascular outcomes.
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