People with depression face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, more women experience cardiovascular problems than men, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, JACC: Asia.

Study explores relationship between depression and cardiovascular disease, shedding light on potential mechanisms contributing to gender-based differences and highlights the importance of tailoring CVD prevention and management strategies according to gender-related factors.

Depression is the third leading cause of morbidity worldwide. Previous research shows that it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, angina, stroke and mortality.

The study involved 4.1 million people aged 36-52. The study collected body mass index, blood pressure and fasting laboratory values ​​at their initial health screening.

As it turned out, the hazard ratio of depression for cardiovascular disease was 1.39 for men and 1.64 for women compared to participants without depression.

Regarding possible mechanisms that may contribute to this, the study authors point out that one explanation is that women may experience more severe and persistent symptoms of depression compared to men and may be more likely to develop depression during critical periods of hormonal change, such as pregnancy or menopause. Other mechanisms include women’s greater susceptibility to traditional risk factors when they are depressed, such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity, which may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. Differences in health care and treatment utilization between men and women and sex-specific differences in biological factors such as genetics and hormonal profile may also increase women’s CVD risk.