HHS HealthBeat (May 27, 2009)

Depression and death

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

There is a significant connection between women having symptoms of depression and dying as a result of heart disease.

A study found that women with depression, and no known heart disease, are more than twice as likely to experience sudden cardiac death and fatal coronary heart disease.

William Whang of Columbia University Medical Center saw it in data on more than 63,000 women.

[William Whang speaks] “Symptoms of depression were associated with higher rates of cardiac risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking and less physical activity.”

It is important for women with depression to be aware of the possible relationship and pay attention to any changes in their body and their mood. 

The study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May, 27 2009