The Impact of Depression and Anxiety on Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Outcomes in Women

AbstractPurpose of ReviewDepression and anxiety are known to potentiate cardiovascular disease and result in worse outcomes. These disorders disproportionately affect women. The purpose of this review is to examine the impact of depression and anxiety on cardiovascular outcomes in women.Recent FindingsDepression, anxiety, and psychosocial stressors work through a number of mechanisms to decrease health behavior engagement and increase cardiovascular risk in women. Ultimately, this leads to worsened quality of life, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality among affected women. Notably, because these conditions are more prevalent in women, they may contribute to widening of pre-existing disparities in cardiovascular outcomes based on sex.Summary UnderstandingDepression and anxiety may contribute to impaired quality of life and increased mortality in women with cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is imperative for providers to screen for, recognize, and treat these conditions.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research