Arterial endothelial function is impaired in treated depression.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether patients with treated depression but no other risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) have abnormal arterial endothelial function, an abnormality that is common to other acquired risk factors for CHD.


METHODS
Case-control study.


METHODS
Secondary care departments of cardiology and psychiatry in a single centre and the surrounding community.


METHODS
Patients with treated depression and matched healthy controls, aged 18-55 years, without conventional acquired risk factors for CHD. These were recruited from local community mental health clinics, general practices, and patient support groups, and through posters placed in public areas of the hospital. Patients had major depression as defined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition. Fifteen patients and 12 controls were recruited, and 12 patients and 10 controls completed the study.


RESULTS
Brachial artery flow mediated dilatation and baroreflex sensitivity.


RESULTS
Arterial endothelial function measured by flow mediated dilatation was impaired in depression (mean (SEM) -0.7% (1.7%)) compared with controls (5.7% (0.9%), p = 0.005 by non-paired t test). Baroreflex sensitivity did not differ significantly between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Arterial endothelial function is impaired in treated depression. This abnormality may contribute to the increased risk of CHD seen in depression.
Broadley
A J M
AJ
Department of Cardiology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK. a.j.m.broadley@lineone.net
Korszun
A
A
Jones
C J H
CJ
Frenneaux
M P
MP
D000328:Adult; D017704:Baroreflex / Q000502:physiology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000502:physiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology*