Depression and Coronary Heart Disease

Depression and coronary heart disease (CHD) are significant contributors to the burden of disease in both developed and developing countries. Although depression seems to be a marker of increased risk after the diagnosis of CHD, it is currently unclear whether depression can be considered as an independent risk factor and whether its treatment lowers the risk. We review the data from prominent trials and recent analyses in regard to the association of depression with CHD. We also review some of the mechanisms that might contribute to this association.