[Depression and cardiovascular diseases]

Abstract

Depression is considered to be an independent cardiovascular risk factor and it may worsen the symptoms of already established cardiovascular pathology such as coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, stroke and hypertension. 3 key psychobiological mechanisms by means of which depression influences cardiovascular system: disbalance in stress response of endocrine system, hyperregulation of autonomic nervous system and immune disorders leading to dysregulation of acute phase proteins and proinflammatory cytokines release. In majority of studies in patients with depression and cardiovascular diseases it was shown that antidepressants improve the symptoms. By the way, in some studies controversial results were obtained. Future studies in this direction with involvement of cardiologists and psychiatrists should be held.