Table 5.

Correlations between factors related to depression and CVD.

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease	Depression is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Many studies show that people with depression are more likely to develop cardiovascular conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes.
Common Risk Factors	Depression and CVD share several common risk factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity. These risk factors can contribute to both depression and cardiovascular problems.
Biological mechanisms	There are a wide range of biological mechanisms that may help explain the relationship between depression and CVD. Chronic stress, which is often associated with depression, can lead to increased inflammation and oxidative stress within the human body. These processes may contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases.
Behavioral factors	Depression can also affect an individual’s behavior and lifestyle choices in ways that increase the risk of developing CVD. For example, people with depression may engage in less physical activity, have difficulty complying with medical advice, or use unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating or substance abuse.
Poor adherence to treatment	People with depression may have poor adherence to treatment required for cardiovascular disease. This lack of commitmernt can lead to inadequate treatment of risk factors, exacerbation of CVD symptoms, and increased complications.