Depression and cardiovascular diseases
Aromaa, A.; Raitasalo, R.; Reunanen, A.; Impivaara, O.; Heliövaara, M.; Knekt, P.; Lehtinen, V.; Joukamaa, M.; Maatela, J.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. Supplementum 377: 77-82
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0065-1591 PMID: 8053372 Document Number: 422856
We first review the associations between depression and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Then we examine them in the nationally representative Mini-Finland Health Survey, which covers 8,000 persons. Chronic somatic diseases and mental disorders were diagnosed using standardized methods. Cross-sectionally, CVDs and neurotic depression were associated both before and after adjustment for covariates. The strongest associations were observed in the case of severe CVDs. During a 6.6 year follow-up, the risk of CVD death and coronary death was elevated in depressed persons both with and without CVDs at entry. Much of the cross-sectional association is probably due to depression caused by CVDs. The outcome of CVD may be poorer in depressed persons. The hypothesis that depression is a cause of CVDs requires further study.