Depression and the cardiovascular system: increasing evidence of a link and therapeutic implications.
This review explores the epidemiological evidence for the relationship between depression and cardiovascular disease from a mechanistic standpoint. It is important to examine the biological, behavioral and social mechanisms to improve outcomes for depressed cardiac patients. A number of plausible biobehavioral mechanisms linking depression and cardiovascular disease have been identified. Tricyclic antidepressants have various effects on the cardiovascular system, while selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are not associated with adverse cardiac effects and should, therefore, be the preferred choice for the treatment of most patients with comorbid depression and cardiovascular disease.
Marano
Giuseppe
G
Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry and Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
Harnic
Desiree
D
Lotrionte
Marzia
M
Biondi-Zoccai
Giuseppe
G
Abbate
Antonio
A
Romagnoli
Enrico
E
Mazza
Marianna
M
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors