New study highlights increased heart disease risk in young women with anxiety and depression

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Although it remains unclear whether mental health treatments such as antidepressants and psychotherapy can reduce cardiovascular risk, established treatments such as statins and antihypertensive drugs have been found to be associated with severe risk in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Effective in reducing the risk of cardiac events.

Contrary to the traditional assumption that young women have a lower risk of heart disease, new research highlights the need to reconsider this concept, especially when it comes to women struggling with anxiety and depression. The study, presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual scientific session, suggests that mental health conditions may promote the development of cardiovascular risk factors in young and middle-aged women.

Increased rates of cardiovascular risk factors

Against the backdrop of increasing rates of cardiovascular risk factors and a sharp increase in heart attacks among young people, this study highlights the need for increased cardiovascular screening and preventive care, especially for women dealing with anxiety and depression. . Notably, the prevalence of anxiety and depression has skyrocketed in recent years, and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research results

The study analyzed the health records of more than 71,000 participants and found that women under 50 with anxiety and depression were more likely to have high blood pressure and high blood pressure over a 10-year period than women without these mental health conditions. It has been revealed that people with high cholesterol are almost twice as likely to develop diabetes. This increased risk puts them at roughly the same risk of heart disease as men of the same age.

Implications for screening and prevention

This study suggests the importance of conducting cardiovascular risk factor screening in young women with anxiety and depression to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Although young women typically have lower rates of cardiovascular risk factors due to the protective effects of estrogen, anxiety and depression significantly increase the relative risk and require aggressive screening and intervention strategies.

Exploration of neurobiological pathways

To understand the underlying mechanisms driving this association, researchers examined metabolic activity in stress-related brain regions in participants who underwent brain scans. They observed a significant increase in stress-related neural activity among young women with anxiety and depression, pointing to a possible neurobiological pathway linking mental health conditions and cardiovascular risk. .

Treatment considerations

Although it remains unclear whether mental health treatments such as antidepressants and psychotherapy can reduce cardiovascular risk, established treatments such as statins and antihypertensive drugs have been found to be associated with severe risk in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Effective in reducing the risk of cardiac events. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking anxiety and depression to cardiovascular risk and explore potential therapeutic interventions.