The researchers analyzed the data, comparing clinical depression with other known risks for heart disease. The analysis showed that the risk of fatal heart disease was as high in men with depression as it was in men with high cholesterol levels or obesity. The findings point towards a greater need for heart health screenings among patients with depression, and mental health screenings for cardiovascular patients. Just how depression impacts heart health isn’t entirely clear yet, but it’s likely that stress hormones play a role. “Large randomized trials are needed to evaluate whether treating stress and depression results in reductions in heart disease,” Takawol said.

Source: Huffington Post January 17, 2017 16:38 UTC