Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming the lives of both men and women. In Australia, it accounts for one in three deaths among women, yet female patients with heart disease are often under-studied, under-diagnosed, and under-treated.
Simultaneously, depression affects women at nearly twice the rate of men. A recent study has revealed that women with a higher genetic predisposition to depression may face an increased risk of heart disease, a connection not observed in men.
Exploring the Brain-Heart Connection
Previous research has established a connection between depression and a higher risk of developing heart disease, though the exact cause remains unclear. Factors such as psychiatric medications, which can lead to weight gain and elevated cholesterol, contribute to this risk. Depression is also associated with unhealthy lifestyle choices, including smoking, poor diet, and reduced physical activity, all of which further heighten the likelihood of heart problems.
However, scientists have yet to examine in depth the biological factors linking depression and heart disease, particularly how these factors might differ between men and women.
Genetic Insights into Depression and Heart Disease
A study led by the University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience aimed to investigate the relationship between genetic risk factors for depression and heart disease, analyzing data from approximately 345,000 individuals in the United Kingdom. By examining genetic data, researchers identified specific areas of DNA linked to various diseases, allowing them to assess whether a person’s genetic makeup contributes to an increased risk of heart disease.
The researchers calculated each participant’s genetic risk for depression and tracked whether this risk was associated with a higher likelihood of developing heart disease later in life. The results showed that women with a higher genetic risk for depression were more likely to develop cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. This connection was evident even in women who had never been diagnosed with depression or used psychiatric medications, suggesting that the increased heart disease risk is not solely due to lifestyle changes or medication use following a depression diagnosis.
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