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Review
. 2022 Sep;24(9):709-720.
doi: 10.1007/s11883-022-01048-0. Epub 2022 Jun 25.

A Narrative Review of the Association Between Depression and Heart Disease Among Women: Prevalence, Mechanisms of Action, and Treatment

Danielle Rome  1 , Alyssa Sales  2 , Rebecca Leeds  3 , John Usseglio  4 , Talea Cornelius  4 , Catherine Monk  5 , Kim G Smolderen  6 , Nathalie Moise  7
Affiliations
Review

A Narrative Review of the Association Between Depression and Heart Disease Among Women: Prevalence, Mechanisms of Action, and Treatment

Danielle Rome et al. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Sex and gender differences exist with regard to the association between depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This narrative review describes the prevalence, mechanisms of action, and management of depression and CVD among women, with a particular focus on coronary heart disease (CHD).

Recent findings: Women versus men with incident and established CHD have a greater prevalence of depression. Comorbid depression and CHD in women may be associated with greater mortality, and treatment inertia. Proposed mechanisms unique to the association among women of depression and CHD include psychosocial, cardiometabolic, behavioral, inflammatory, hormonal, and autonomic factors. The literature supports a stronger association between CHD and the prevalence of depression in women compared to men. It remains unclear whether depression treatment influences cardiovascular outcomes, or if treatment effects differ by sex and/or gender. Further research is needed to establish underlying mechanisms as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Coronary heart disease; Depression; Gender differences; Sex differences; Women.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Proposed pathways in the association between depression and CHD in women.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    2. Review of the key aspects of current evidence regarding the association between depression and coronary heart disease, including epidemiological, mechanistic, and management considerations.

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