Adults over 50 double the risk of stroke if suffering from persistent depression, as reported by the Journal of the American Heart Association1. Every two years from 1998 to 2010, 16,178 people were assessed on their symptoms of stroke and depression1. The study concluded that those with persistent depressive symptoms had increased risks of stroke than those with low depressive symptoms. Although their symptoms had resolved, those who had suffered depression in the past still had an elevated chance in experiencing stroke. Lead author, Paola Gilsanz from Harvard University, points out that this may suggest a cumulative link between the two. Researchers propose that vascular damage can occur due to physiological changes influenced by depressive symptoms. Previously, depression has been linked to hypertension, dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and increased inflammatory responses, which are all risk factors of stroke that can cause vascular disease. Physical inactivity and smoking have also been identified as likely habits amongst depressed individuals. If you are suffering from depression, remember there are support systems all around you and that you are not alone. Acknowledging the issue is the first step to recovery.
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References
1Gilsanz P, Walter S, Tchetgen Tchetgen EJ, et al. Changes in depressive symptoms and incidence of first stroke among middle-aged and older US adults. J Am Heart Assoc 13 May 2015, doi: 10.1161/JAHA.115.001923.
Univadis (2015) [Online] Available at: http://www.univadis.co.uk/medical-news/287/Depression-doubles-stroke-risk?utm_source=newsletter+email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=medical+updates+-+daily&utm_content=191053&utm_term=automated_daily (Accessed 19th of June 2015)
Image courtesy of FrameAngel Freedigitalphotos.net available on: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net [Online] (Accessed 21st of June 2015)