Depression and bipolar disorder in adolescents represent an independent, moderate risk factor for cardiovascular disease, reads a statement by the American Heart Association in the journal Circulation.
The statement is the result of an analysis of studies to date on the relationship between depression and cardiovascular diseases in adolescents, including research conducted in 2011 in the USA among over 7 up to the age of 30, who found that a history of depression and attempted suicide were the main risk factor for death from heart disease in women and one of the four main factors in men.
As is known from previous studies, cardiovascular disease develops earlier in adults suffering from depression. These problems can start at a young age, so researchers emphasize the need to screen adolescents with depression early on for risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes and vasoconstriction.
The biological reasons for the increased risk are unclear. They are likely related to inflammation and other cell-damaging processes. Although adolescents suffering from depression are more likely to abuse unhealthy substances, smoke cigarettes and are less physically active, this does not explain the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the researchers emphasize.
This relationship is also not explained by medications used during depression, some of which may cause weight gain, raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and also increase blood glucose levels. Most of the adolescents examined, however, were not treated pharmacologically.
Depression and bipolar disorders concern nearly 10% of people. American teenagers, therefore doctors, patients and their families should pay special attention to actions aimed at (PAP)