Impaired endothelial function in coronary heart disease patients with depressive symptomatology.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess whether depressive symptomatology was associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). BACKGROUND: In patients with CHD, the presence of depression is associated with a two to four times increased risk of mortality, but the disease pathways involved are uncertain. Endothelial dysfunction is an established risk factor for cardiovascular events in patients with CHD. METHODS: Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, a measure of endothelial function, was assessed in 143 patients (99 men, 44 women), ages 40 to 84 years (mean age, 63 +/- 10 years), with documented CHD. RESULTS: Patients with significant depressive symptomatology, as indicated by a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score > or = 10 (n = 47) showed attenuated FMD (p = 0.001) compared with patients that were not depressed (BDI < 10; n = 96). The use of antidepressant medication was associated with improved FMD (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The increased risk of cardiovascular events in CHD patients with elevated symptoms of depression may be mediated, in part, by endothelial dysfunction.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Sherwood, A; Hinderliter, AL; Watkins, LL; Waugh, RA; Blumenthal, JA
Published Date
- August 16, 2005
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 46 / 4
Start / End Page
- 656 - 659
PubMed ID
- 16098431
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0735-1097
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/j.jacc.2005.05.041
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States