Mentor
Dr. Tina Dow
Abstract
While there has been extensive research on the link between depression and cardiovascular disease, few reviews have summarized the array of findings. In this literature review, we examined approximately 50 clinical papers and research studies to determine if reducing depression could reduce the risk of having a cardiovascular incident and if reducing the severity of cardiovascular disease could reduce depression. We identified two major mechanisms through which depression affects the cardiovascular system. We present evidence that depression and cardiovascular disease may have a reciprocal relationship. For instance, depression is as much of a risk factor for heart disease as smoking and hypertension. Further, depression is 20% more common in patients after a major cardiac event like a myocardial infarction. In addition, we examine how treating depression could reduce the risk of developing a cardiovascular disease.
Recommended Citation
Gomez, Jomaries O.
(2021)
"The Relationship between Depression and Cardiovascular Disease,"
The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 13:
Iss.
1, Article 1.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/urj/vol13/iss1/1
Included in
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons, Cardiovascular Diseases Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons
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