Depression and cardiovascular diseases.
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.
Aromaa
A
A
Social Insurance Institution, Helsinki, Finland.
Raitasalo
R
R
Reunanen
A
A
Impivaara
O
O
Heliövaara
M
M
Knekt
P
P
Lehtinen
V
V
Joukamaa
M
M
Maatela
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology*; D015984:Causality; D002423:Cause of Death; D015897:Comorbidity; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate