Anxiety and Depression in Women's Cardiovascular Health: Risk Modifiers, Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Psychiatry
• Women's Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in women.
• Traditional CVD prevention models often overlook sex and gender differences.
• Mental health issues like depression and anxiety are more prevalent in women and amplify CVD risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review biological and psychosocial mechanisms linking mental health and CVD in women.
• To highlight the impact of gender-related exposures on CVD risk.
• To advocate for a women-centered approach in CVD prevention and management.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of literature from major databases.
• Integration of evidence focusing on relevance and methodological rigor.
• Focus on biological and psychosocial pathways.

Main Results:

• Mental health conditions and stress impact CVD via hormonal, autonomic, neuroendocrine, inflammatory, and platelet pathways.
• Gender-related factors like caregiving burden and violence interact with these mechanisms.
• Stress-induced cardiac conditions (e.g., takotsubo syndrome) illustrate the heart-brain axis.

Conclusions:

• Integrating mental health assessment into cardiovascular risk evaluation is vital for precision prevention in women.
• A women-centered strategy requires systematic psychosocial evaluation and multidisciplinary care.
• Tailored interventions are needed to enhance risk control, adherence, and outcomes for women's cardiovascular health.