The Link Between Depression and Coronary Heart Disease

Does being diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder put us at risk for developing cardiovascular disease?

Recent clinical studies have shown that there is in fact a correlation between Major Depressive Disorder and Coronary Heart Disease. Those that have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder are at a much higher risk of developing Coronary Heart Disease, accompanied by a higher mortality rate. Research has shown that 15-20% of those who experience a myocardial infarction met the criteria for having Major Depressive Disorder.

The tricky part lies in determining if one condition is a primary trigger for the other.