More depressive symptoms associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease

A large study finds that symptoms of depression are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. People from 21 economically diverse countries were followed for a median of nine years, and nearly 16,000 reported at least four symptoms of depression, including tiredness and unintentional changes in weight. At follow-up, those with depression were 14% more likely to have cardiovascular disease and 23% more likely to have had heart attack. Individuals with depression were also more likely to have died during the follow-up period. Researchers found that the association between depression and heart disease was highest among those who reported the most symptoms of depression (seven in this study) and lowest among those who only reported one symptom. Although the findings don't establish a clear relationship between depression and heart disease, the authors suggest that they ought to raise awareness of poor physical health associated with depression.