A new study suggests depression increases the risk of dying from a stroke. Researchers found men with the most depressive symptoms were twice as likely to die of a stroke compared to those reporting the fewest number of symptoms.
Men with lower rates of depression were also affected, with increased stroke risks ranging from about 25 percent to about 75 percent. The study involved nearly 12,900 men who were in their mid-40s at the beginning of the research. None of the men had heart disease at the outset of the study but were considered to be at above-average risk for developing the condition. After six years of the study, all completed a questionnaire aimed at measuring depression. Researchers then followed the men for another 19 years, tracking morbidity and mortality rates.In conclusion researchers say their findings suggest a need for doctors to discuss depression with patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and implement the corresponding psychosocial interventions as part of the medical management.
