DEPRESSION AND CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASES

We first review the associations between depression and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Then we examine them in the nationally representativ e Mini-Finland Health Survey, which covers 8,000 persons. Chronic soma tic diseases and mental disorders were diagnosed using standardized me thods. Cross-sectionally, CVDs and neurotic depression were associated both before and after adjustment for covariates. The strongest associ ations were observed in the case of severe CVDs. During a 6.6 year fol low-up, the risk of CVD death and coronary death was elevated in depre ssed persons both with and without CVDs at entry. Much of the cross-se ctional association is probably due to depression caused by CVDs. The outcome of CVD may be poorer in depressed persons. The hypothesis that depression is a cause of CVDs requires further study.