Some anti-hypertensives could lower risk of depression

People with high blood pressure, heart disease, or cerebrovascular disease have a higher risk of also being depressed, but a large, new study finds that some common medications to treat cardiovascular conditions may lower that risk. More than 3.7 million people in Denmark who took one of 41 common anti-hypertensives and who had no history of depression were followed for a decade between 2005 and 2015. None of these medications increased the risk of depression, while nine of the drugs — including some beta-blockers — seemed to lower the risk. The findings don't establish a direct relationship, but the authors suggest that physicians could consider the results of the study to guide prescribing of blood pressure medication for patients at risk of developing depression.