Abstract
BackgroundDepression is known to increase the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) likely through various pathogenetic actions. Understanding the links between depression and CHD and the effects of mediating these links may prove beneficial in CHD prevention.MethodsAn integrated model of CHD was used to elucidate pathogenetic pathways of importance between depression and CHD. Using biomarker relative risk data the pathogenetic effects are representable as measurable effects based on changes in biomarkers.ResultsA ‘connection graph’ presents interactions by illustrating the relationship between depression and the biomarkers of CHD. The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is postulated to have potential to decrease CHD risk. Comparing the ‘connection graph’ of SSRI’s to that of depression elucidates the possible actions through which risk reduction may occur.ConclusionsThe CHD effects of depression appear to be driven by increased inflammation and altered metabolism. These effects might be mediated with the use of SSRI’s.
Highlights
Depression is known to increase the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) likely through various pathogenetic actions
There is an established link between these two disorders, where depression has been noted as a risk factor for CHD [3] and patients with established CHD have been found to have increased incidence of depression compared to controls [4]
The health factors in the integrated model were considered as lifestyle effects or comorbid health disorders which have been associated with statistically significant increases or decreases in CHD risk
Summary
Depression is known to increase the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) likely through various pathogenetic actions. Depression is one of several preventable causes of disability worldwide, with coronary heart disease (CHD) being the largest cause of disability [1]. There is an established link between these two disorders, where depression has been noted as a risk factor for CHD [3] and patients with established CHD have been found to have increased incidence of depression compared to controls [4]. Depressed CHD patients are significantly linked to increased mortality [5] and poor prognosis for further CHD events [6]. Depressed patients using antidepressants appear to be at a reduced risk for CHD. The mechanisms behind this reduced risk are not clear [7]
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