New insights into the link between cardiovascular disease and depression.
BACKGROUND
Although the association between depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is well documented, the underlying mechanisms for this relationship remain unclear. In this paper, we present three possible models which account for the comorbidity between depression and cardiovascular disease.


METHODS
The first model outlines depression as a risk factor for CVD and the second model presents CVD as a risk factor for depression. The third model proposes a common underlying pathway related to the effects of chronic stress on the body in manifesting as depression or cardiovascular disease.


CONCLUSIONS
If the proposed model holds true, it may be possible that an intervention initiated before overt manifestations of CVD or depression become apparent, may delay or prevent the onset of these serious clinical entities.
Mosovich
S A
SA
Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Boone
R T
RT
Reichenberg
A
A
Bansilal
S
S
Shaffer
J
J
Dahlman
K
K
Harvey
P D
PD
Farkouh
M E
ME
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000523:psychology*; D016923:Cell Death / Q000502:physiology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology*
D016207:Cytokines; D012701:Serotonin