High cardiovascular risk is associated with symptoms of depression

A new study published in PLOS ONE links cardiovascular risk factors to an increased risk of depression in older adults. Similar risk factors, such as inflammation and oxidative stress, are thought to link cardiovascular disease and depression. However, depression has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The new study focused on overweight or obese men and women aged 55-75.

At the start of the study, 6,545 healthy people were included. Compared to low risk (LR) women, high risk (HR) women were more likely to be depressed. Medium risk (MR) and HR also had higher odds of depression than LR among participants with total cholesterol below 160 mg/mL. MR and HR had a lower risk of depression than LR among participants with total cholesterol of 280 mg/mL or higher. MR and HR participants with high baseline cholesterol showed the greatest decreases in depressive status after two years of following a Mediterranean diet.

Depressive symptoms, especially in women, are associated with high and very high cardiovascular risk. The role of other factors, such as adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, requires further investigation. High cardiovascular risk, especially in women, is associated with symptoms of depression in the elderly.