Cumulative Vascular Risk Factor Burden and Anxiety-Depression Symptoms Co-Occurrence: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Individuals with vascular risk factors (VRFs) often experience underrecognized emotional symptoms. This study examined the association of vascular risk factor burden (VRF burden) with anxiety, depression and their symptom co-occurrence. Methods: A total of 381 participants were classified by HAMA and HAMD-17 scores into control, anxiety, depression, and anxiety-depression symptom co-occurrence groups. VRF burden was defined as the number of eight prespecified VRFs. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Anxiety-depression symptom co-occurrence was the most common symptom pattern (40.9%). Greater VRF burden was associated with higher HAMA (B = 2.549, 95% CI: 2.028-3.070) and HAMD-17 scores (B = 1.802, 95% CI: 1.258-2.346; both p < 0.001). Greater VRF burden was also associated with higher odds of symptom co-occurrence after multivariable adjustment (adjusted OR = 1.944, 95% CI: 1.548-2.441, p < 0.001). Conclusions: VRF burden was associated with more severe emotional symptoms and higher odds of anxiety-depression symptom co-occurrence. Prospective studies are needed to clarify temporal relationships.