Depression: It Can Harm a Woman's Heart

It’s been a while since researchers discovered that depression is a key predictor of heart disease—even of not surviving a heart attack. More and more, though, studies are revealing that depression can be a precursor to coronary heart disease (CHD)—especially for women. We know this, because researchers at Columbia University reported this week in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology that depression may actually lead to heart disease, as well as increase the odds of a heart attack in women with existing CHD. Underlying causes The most recent study to link depression and heart disease is based on the Nurses’ Health Study, which tracked 63,000 women between 1992-2004. Though none had signs of heart disease at the start of the study, about 8% were diagnosed with serious depression. And it was these women who were more than twice as likely to die suddenly from a heart attack. A growing body of investigative work is exposing the underlying causes of the depression-heart disease link: Some point to poor adherence to medical regimens (such as for diabetics who are noncompliant with home glucose monitoring), alterations in hormone levels, and increased risk for arrhythmias, while others suggest that obesity, tobacco use, and physical inactivity play key roles. Lifestyle lessons While causes may vary, the most proactive step you can take both to defeat depression and to halt heart disease, is to make the lifestyle changes your emotions and heart need to be balanced and healthy. This means: eating optimally, de-stressing, exercising regularly, and integrating social support into your life. In the next post, I’ll tell you more about how foods you choose can combat depression, while future posts will give you the lifestyle insights you need to take charge of this emerging risk factor for heart disease. Deborah Kesten, MPH, is an international lifestyle and health researcher and Certified Wellness and Cardiac Coach. She also is the award-winning author of The Enlightened Diet, Feeding the Body, Nourishing the Soul, and The Healing Secrets of Food. Call her at 415.810.7874 or visit her at www.Enlightened-Diet.com to take her FREE What’s Your Eating Style? Quiz, and to learn more about her Whole Person Nutrition Program for wellness, weight loss, coaching, and books.