Women with depression face higher heart disease risk than men with the same condition,
Women diagnosed with depression have a higher risk of heart disease and strokes than men who have also been diagnosed with the mental health disorder.
Researchers analysed the health data of 4.1million people to find the association between depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD), heart attacks, strokes and angina – chest pain or pressure that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood or oxygen. While both men and women with depression had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), women showed a greater risk – 64 percent compared to men’s 39 percent.
Women are also more prone to angina, stroke and other heart problems, according to researchers at the University of Tokyo. Dr Hidehiro Kaneko, co-author, said this discovery could help in the development of targeted prevention and treatment strategies that address the specific CVD risks faced by depressed patients, including screening for, preventing and treating the mental health condition.
He said: ‘A better understanding will allow healthcare providers to optimise care for both men and women with depression, leading to improved CVD outcomes for these populations.’
The authors suggested women may experience more severe and persistent symptoms of depression compared to men, which could contribute to their poorer heart health.
Women are more likely to suffer depression during hormonal changes, such as their menstrual cycle and menopause. Females are also more susceptible to underlying CVD risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
Additional results showed compared to non-depressed women, those with the condition had a 52 percent higher risk of heart attacks, a 68 percent higher risk of angina, a 56 percent higher risk of stroke and a 64 percent higher risk of heart failure. -Daily Mail.uk
