(23-11-07) AHA 2007: Large study highlights CVD link to depression and anxiety

A large US-wide study of middle-aged and older adults has highlighted the significant association of cardiovascular disease (CVD) history with depression and anxiety.

Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in Atlanta, USA, analyzed data obtained in 2006 through a telephone survey of non-institutionalized adults as part of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The survey included questions relating to anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease.

In the survey population of 129,499 adults aged 45 years and older, 15.3% had a history of CVD. The prevalences of CHD and stroke were 12.4% and 5.0%, respectively.

A total of 7.7% had a current depression severity score of 10 or more (this cut-off score, based on responses to a series of questions, has been shown to have a high sensitivity and specificity for major depression). The prevalences of a lifetime diagnosis of depressive disorders and anxiety disorders were 16.2% and 11.0%, respectively.

Further analyses showed that people with a history of CVD were significantly more likely to have a depression severity score of 10 or more, than people without a history of CVD (15.8% versus 7.1%, respectively). The adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) was 1.69 (95% confidence interval 1.54-1.85).

Similarly, people with a history of CVD were significantly more likely than people without a history of CVD to have a lifetime diagnosis of depressive disorders (22.3% versus 15.1%, respectively; APR 1.56; 95% confidence interval 1.45-1.67), and a lifetime diagnosis of anxiety disorders (16.6% versus 10.0%; APR 1.46; 95% confidence interval 1.37-1.54).

The researchers concluded: "These findings underscore the importance of assessing mental health status in chronic care and management of cardiovascular disease."

Source: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2007, Orlando, USA, 4-7 November 2007, presentation number 3658.

News

---

In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.