Women with depression have a higher heart risk than men

2024-03-12 20:09:01
A Japanese study sheds light on a worrying disparity in heart health between men and women with depression. Published in ‘JACC’ and peer-reviewed, this work examines the connection between depression and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), highlighting the importance of tailoring prevention and treatment strategies according to sex. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and depression has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction, angina, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality. However, the relationship between depression and heart disease, especially in terms of sex-based differences, is still not fully understood. This study, led by Hidehiro Kaneko of the University of Tokyo, analyzed data from more than 4 million participants collected between 2005 and 2022. The results revealed that women with depression face a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to men. men in a similar situation. The CVD hazard ratio was 1.64 times higher in women with depression compared to those without depression, while in men it was 1.39. Related News Tribune open opinion Yes Are we all equal when it comes to cardiovascular disease? Fernando Fabiani We must continue to insist on the importance of carrying out educational campaigns through the media and carrying out prevention programs in schools and communities This finding raises important questions about why depression seems to have a more pronounced impact on the heart health of women . Study highlights need for a comprehensive approach to the prevention and treatment of depression and cardiovascular disease Researchers suggest several possible explanations, including the idea that women may experience more severe and persistent symptoms of depression, and that they could be more exposed to traditional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity when they are depressed. Additionally, hormonal changes associated with female reproductive life, such as pregnancy and menopause, could play a role in this disparity. The study also highlights the need for a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to the prevention and treatment of depression and cardiovascular diseases. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the important role depression plays in the development of heart disease and work to assess and address cardiovascular risk in depressed patients. Although the study has limitations, such as the inability to establish a direct causal relationship between depression and cardiovascular disease, and the lack of consideration of potential confounding factors such as socioeconomic status, its findings highlight the need for further research and awareness about this critical issue in public health.
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