Depressed Teens Face Increased Risk of Heart Disease

Young people who suffer from major depression or bipolar disorder may have an increased risk of developing early onset heart disease, according to a new report published in the journal Circulation. Because heart disease is rarely associated with young people, the report seeks to raise awareness about the increased risk factors of this group so healthcare providers and parents can be proactive about prevention efforts.

“When considering cardiovascular risk among youth with mood disorders, screen more and take action earlier and at lower thresholds,” advises Benjamin I. Goldstein, who chaired the committee that issued the report.

While Goldstein and his committee acknowledge that research is limited on the connection between mood disorders and heart disease, they say the evidence is clear that youth in this category are more likely to be obese and have high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. 

In addition to having these increased risk factors, teens with mood disorders also tend to be less active, have difficulty sleeping and develop poor coping habits like smoking or overeating. These habits contribute to their heart disease risk. Side effects of the medications used to treat mood disorders, like weight gain, also play a role.

“Cardiovascular disease is a chronic, progressive condition that starts in youth, even if the disease becomes clinically manifest later in life,” says Dr. Viola Vaccarino, who also served on the committee that issued the report. “This is why identification of risk conditions such as depression early in life provides an important opportunity for cardiovascular disease prevention.”

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