Depression has so far been studied from a psychological perspective but a new study that was conducted by researchers at Canada’s Concordia University suggested that depression can have deeper physiological consequences as well.
The study looked at the stress system response of persons with mood disorders and depression and found flaws in the system that could lead to the onset of heart disease later on. The risk was estimated to be two times more for depressed persons than those who did not experience mood disorders.
The stress system response of persons was tested after the participants were made to undergo a stress test. Then their recovery heart rate was taken. Recovery heart rate refers to the rate of the heart measured at fixed intervals of time (usually after every passing minute) after some peak activity level has been stopped.
A greater reduction in recovery heart rate means the heart is in good condition as it is taking lesser time to recover from peak activity levels and thereby spiked heart rate to normal heart rate. It was found that for depressed persons who were put on the stress test, the recovery heart rate was less. This is to say, their heart took longer time to stabilize back to normal heart rate after exertive exercises. (1)
Thus the findings suggested that a dysfunctional or a sub-optimally functioning biological stress system was involved for those who experienced depression. As per first author of the study, Jennifer Gordon, PhD McGill University, “There have been two competing theories as to why depression is linked to cardiovascular disease. Depressed people may have poorer health behaviours, which may in turn lead to heart problems. The other possibility is physiological: a problem with the stress system known as the fight or flight response.” (2)
From out of the 886 participants averaging around 60 years of age who were examined, approximately 5 percent were diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Their heart rate and blood pressure were measured after the stress test along with those who were not depressive. It was found that the hearts of all those suffering from depression had taken longer to return to normal. (3)
As per Simon Bacon, professor in the Concordia University Department of Exercise Science and a researcher at the Montreal Heart Institute, “Heart rate recovery from exercise is one way to measure the fight or flight stress response. The delayed ability to establish a normal heart rate in the depressed individuals indicates a dysfunctional stress response. We believe that this dysfunction, can contribute to their increased risk for heart disease.”
It was understood that doctors should address depression not only as a mental disorder but should go beyond to look at the dire physiological aspects it is capable of creating. Thus such patients would need to be treated for both the depression and possible onset of heart diseases to avoid development of harsh health consequences later.
SOURCES:
1. Depression Can Lead to Heart Disease, Study Suggests; Science Daily: December, 2011; http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128132658.htm
2. Depression can lead to heart disease; Concordia University; December, 2011; http://www.concordia.ca/now/what-we-do/research/20111128/depression-can-lead-to-heart-disease.php
3. The effect of major depression on post-exercise cardiovascular recovery; Wiley Online Library- Psychophysiology; December, 2011; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-8986.2011.01232.x/abstract;jsessionid=02DAE303FAA1B3D729A3CDAFA3180D3B.d02t03
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Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman – Tips From A Sufferer: ISBN: 978-81-291-1517-1 (Publisher: Rupa & Co. URL: http://www.amazon.com/Migraines-Informed-Woman-Tips-Sufferer/dp/8129115174/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1298990756&sr=1-2), Mentor Your Mind – Tested Mantras For The Busy Woman: ISBN: 978-81-207-5973-2 (Publisher: Sterling Publishers; URL: http://www.sterlingpublishers.com/search_result.asp) and the upcoming The Urban Woman’s Integrated Fitness Guide (Publisher: Hay House India).
She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health.
Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Please visit www.mamtasingh.com
Reviewed January 18, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith