Zeroing in on depression as a cardiovascular risk factor. Can lifting mood improve outcomes?

Research suggests that depression is a risk factor for the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and that there is a strong link between depression and poor outcomes following a cardiovascular event. It has also provided evidence that depressed patients are less likely to follow recommendations to reduce cardiovascular risk, such as taking aspirin, antihypertensive drugs, and lipid-lowering medications. However, data are lacking about whether treating underlying depression reduces the incidence of CVD. Important questions also remain as to whether the elevated risk of CVD decreases when depressive symptoms resolve. Elucidation of the biologic mediators for the relationship between depression and CVD will help our understanding of the link and how to appropriately intervene early enough to improve outcomes.