The Relationship Between Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Key Mechanisms and the Role of Quality of Life

Abstract

Various trials have been conducted evaluating depression management programs for patients with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). However, to date, the most effective way to manage this co-morbidity in the real world setting remains unclear. To better understand the past successes and failures of previous trials and subsequently develop suitable interventions that target key components of health related quality of life (HRQOL) such as mental, physical and vocational functioning, we first need to understand the mechanisms underpinning the relationship between the two conditions. This paper will draw on the key literature in this field as identified by psychiatric, medical and social sciences databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, OVID, Medline) available up to January 2012, with the aim to conduct a narrative review which explores: the aetiological relationship between depression and CHD; its association with HRQOL; the relationship between CHD, depression and vocational functioning; and the impact of depression treatment on these outcomes. Key recommendations are made regarding the management of this prevalent co-morbidity in clinical settings.

Central and cardiac stress resilience consistently linked to integrated immuno‐neuroendocrine responses across stress models in male mice

“…Although baseline heart function was largely unaltered, resilience to ischaemia declined in CUMS and SS mice, confirming negative influences of stress on ischaemic tolerance (Headrick et al, 2017). This agrees with the influences of MDD on CHD outcomes and cardiovascular mortality (ONeil, 2013). Correlation between cardiac outcomes and circulating noradrenaline supports the importance of sympathetic activity in the cardiovascular impacts of stress or MDD (Grippo et al, 2008; Liu et al, 2018; Morais‐Silva et al, 2019; Shi et al, 2014; Simas et al, 2018).…”

Prevalence and Assessment of Severity of Depression Among Ischemic Heart Disease Patients Attending Outpatient Cardiology Department Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq

“…The relationship between coronary heart disease (CHD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) has been investigated extensively over recent decades, as the prevalence of both conditions has risen around the world. Each condition remains a major contributor to the global burden of disease [6]. Though there are some inconsistencies in the literature, there are several established risk factors for depression in cardiac patients.…”