Health & Medicine
Depression Elevates the Risk of Heart Failure by 40 Percent, Study
Benita Matilda
First Posted: Apr 05, 2014 02:58 AM EDT
A Norwegian study uncovered a strong association between depression and risk of developing heart failure.
A study by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) was conducted on 63,000 Norwegians. The researchers noticed that people with moderate to severe depression were at a 40 percent increased risk of developing heart failure, a condition in which the heart fails to pump sufficient blood throughout the body.
This is one of the first studies to look at the relation between depression and increased risk of developing heart failure. The subjects were a part of the large epidemiological study called Nord-Trondelag Health Study (HUNT study).
Lise Tuset Gustad, first author of the study and an intensive care nurse at Levanger Hospital in Norway, said in a statement, "We found a dose response relationship between depressive symptoms and the risk of developing heart failure. That means that the more depressed you feel, the more you are at risk. People who have lost interest in things they used to enjoy, such as reading or watching a television series, may have the early signs of depression. It's a good idea to see your doctor in these early stages for some advice on how to reduce your depression levels."
The second part of the HUNT study began in 1995 and researchers gathered data on the subjects' body mass index, physical activity, smoking habits and blood pressure. Using the Hospital anxiety and Depression Scale, the researchers assessed and ranked depression on severity of the condition. At the time of birth, every Norwegian citizen gets a unique 11 digit number which is further used at the hospital and National Cause of Death Registry. Using this 11 digit number, the researchers tracked which patients were hospitalized with heart failure or died from heart failure, during the 11 year study period.
The researchers noticed that during the study period, nearly 1,500 people had developed heart failure. When compared to those with no symptoms of depression, people displaying symptoms of mild depression suffered a 5 percent increased risk of developing heart failure whereas those with moderate - severe symptoms of depression suffered a 40 percent increased risk of heart failure.
The risk of heart failure strongly depends on the severity of depression. Those with stronger symptoms of depression lead a less healthy lifestyle. The study also considered certain factors such as obesity and smoking that trigger both depression and heart failure.
"There is effective treatment for depression, particularly if people get help early. The early symptoms of depression include a loss of interest and loss of pleasure in things that have normally been interesting or given pleasure. If you feel like that, speak to your friends and if it lasts for a month see your doctor or nurse. Depression can be treated easily in the early stages and many people don't need medication. Talking to a professional may be all you need," said Gustad.
Depression triggers the stress hormone. During a stressful event, stress hormones are released and these hormone cause inflammation and atherosclerosis that further soars the risk of heart diseases. Another reason for this elevated risk could be the difficulty depressed people face to adhere to a medical advice that could enhance their lifestyle.
Depression, one of the most common mental illnesses that affect over 19 million every year, is one of the leading causes of disability. It blocks the ability of people to stop smoking and improve their diet or exercise more. Studies have even shown that people with heart diseases who are diagnosed with depression suffer a greater risk of heart failure.
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First Posted: Apr 05, 2014 02:58 AM EDT
A Norwegian study uncovered a strong association between depression and risk of developing heart failure.
A study by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) was conducted on 63,000 Norwegians. The researchers noticed that people with moderate to severe depression were at a 40 percent increased risk of developing heart failure, a condition in which the heart fails to pump sufficient blood throughout the body.
This is one of the first studies to look at the relation between depression and increased risk of developing heart failure. The subjects were a part of the large epidemiological study called Nord-Trondelag Health Study (HUNT study).
Lise Tuset Gustad, first author of the study and an intensive care nurse at Levanger Hospital in Norway, said in a statement, "We found a dose response relationship between depressive symptoms and the risk of developing heart failure. That means that the more depressed you feel, the more you are at risk. People who have lost interest in things they used to enjoy, such as reading or watching a television series, may have the early signs of depression. It's a good idea to see your doctor in these early stages for some advice on how to reduce your depression levels."
The second part of the HUNT study began in 1995 and researchers gathered data on the subjects' body mass index, physical activity, smoking habits and blood pressure. Using the Hospital anxiety and Depression Scale, the researchers assessed and ranked depression on severity of the condition. At the time of birth, every Norwegian citizen gets a unique 11 digit number which is further used at the hospital and National Cause of Death Registry. Using this 11 digit number, the researchers tracked which patients were hospitalized with heart failure or died from heart failure, during the 11 year study period.
The researchers noticed that during the study period, nearly 1,500 people had developed heart failure. When compared to those with no symptoms of depression, people displaying symptoms of mild depression suffered a 5 percent increased risk of developing heart failure whereas those with moderate - severe symptoms of depression suffered a 40 percent increased risk of heart failure.
The risk of heart failure strongly depends on the severity of depression. Those with stronger symptoms of depression lead a less healthy lifestyle. The study also considered certain factors such as obesity and smoking that trigger both depression and heart failure.
"There is effective treatment for depression, particularly if people get help early. The early symptoms of depression include a loss of interest and loss of pleasure in things that have normally been interesting or given pleasure. If you feel like that, speak to your friends and if it lasts for a month see your doctor or nurse. Depression can be treated easily in the early stages and many people don't need medication. Talking to a professional may be all you need," said Gustad.
Depression triggers the stress hormone. During a stressful event, stress hormones are released and these hormone cause inflammation and atherosclerosis that further soars the risk of heart diseases. Another reason for this elevated risk could be the difficulty depressed people face to adhere to a medical advice that could enhance their lifestyle.
Depression, one of the most common mental illnesses that affect over 19 million every year, is one of the leading causes of disability. It blocks the ability of people to stop smoking and improve their diet or exercise more. Studies have even shown that people with heart diseases who are diagnosed with depression suffer a greater risk of heart failure.
See Now: NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone