The research suggests that women diagnosed with depression are more likely to develop heart disease than men with depression due to factors such as hormones and inflammation in the body. This calls for improved screenings for both men and women when it comes to depression. Women are significantly more likely to develop cardiovascular disease following a depression diagnosis, with women being twice as likely to develop depression compared to men. The study published in JACC: Asia tracked and reviewed medical claims of over 4 million patients over a period of 17 years to analyze rates of depression and eventual CVD diagnosis.
The study found that the hazard ratio of a depression diagnosis leading to CVD was higher in women compared to men. The various incidents such as heart attack, chest pain, and stroke were also more likely to occur in women following a depression diagnosis. However, the study had limitations, including the inability to gather specific details on participants’ depression symptoms and the impact of COVID-19. The observational nature of the study means causality between depression and CVD cannot be established. Despite the common association of heart attacks with men, the risk is equal for both genders, with statistics showing less favorable outcomes for women in terms of treatment and mortality rates.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, killing more women than breast, lung, and colon cancer combined. However, women may dismiss their symptoms, as they often do not present with typical heart attack symptoms such as arm pain or chest pressure. Women are more likely to experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort. Research suggests that women’s higher risk of depression and subsequent heart disease may be influenced by more severe and persistent symptoms, hormonal fluctuations related to pregnancy and menopause, and higher rates of metabolic syndrome, including risk factors for CVD such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
Women experience longer and deeper periods of depression, which can lead to inflammation and hormonal fluctuations that impact cardiovascular health. Chronic stress, depression, and anxiety can cause persistent inflammation that hardens blood vessels and promotes plaque buildup. It is crucial to address gender-specific factors in the treatment of depression and heart disease in women, taking into account reproductive age and hormonal fluctuations. Every sub-specialist in the medical field should prioritize mental health screenings and assessments, treating the person as a whole and not hesitating to address mental health in patient care. By integrating mental health assessments into medical care, healthcare providers can optimize care and improve cardiovascular outcomes for patients with depression.
