Despite traditionally being considered low-risk for heart disease, recent research suggests that young and middle-aged women, particularly those grappling with mental health conditions, may face an elevated cardiovascular risk. A study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session underscores the importance of reevaluating assumptions about heart health in this demographic, shedding light on the potential impact of anxiety and depression on cardiovascular health.
The study, which examined data presented at the conference, highlights the pressing need for cardiovascular screening and preventive care as cardiovascular risk factors surge and heart attacks become increasingly prevalent among younger individuals. Notably, the rise in anxiety and depression, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, adds another layer of concern to this evolving landscape.
Researchers delved into the health records of 71,214 individuals enrolled in the Mass General Brigham Biobank, an initiative within the Mass General Brigham health system. Those with pre-existing heart disease or diagnosed anxiety or depression prior to the study’s commencement were excluded from the analysis.
Over a 10-year follow-up period, 38% of participants developed high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and/or diabetes. Strikingly, individuals with a history of anxiety or depression were approximately 55% more likely to develop one or more of these risk factors compared to those without such mental health conditions. This association was particularly pronounced among women under 50, with anxiety or depression doubling their likelihood of developing cardiovascular risk factors compared to their counterparts.
While young women generally exhibited the lowest rates of cardiovascular risk factors, anxiety and depression significantly elevated their relative risk, akin to that observed in young men. Lead researcher Civieri underscores this phenomenon, noting the convergence of risk levels between genders once mental health conditions are present.
In a bid to unravel the mechanisms driving this relationship, researchers scrutinized the metabolic activity of stress-related brain regions in a subset of participants who underwent brain scans. Their findings revealed substantial increases in stress-related neural activity among younger women grappling with anxiety or depression.
Despite the distinct nature of anxiety and depression, the study grouped them together due to their shared impact on cardiovascular risk and common neurobiological pathways. Nonetheless, the potential efficacy of mental health treatments, such as antidepressant medications or psychotherapy, in mitigating cardiovascular risk remains uncertain. However, established treatments for conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol offer promise in reducing the risk of severe cardiac events once such conditions manifest.
The study’s findings underscore the intricate interplay between mental health and cardiovascular well-being, calling for integrated approaches to address the holistic health needs of young and middle-aged women. Ongoing research endeavors seek to unravel the complexities of this relationship, paving the way for targeted interventions to safeguard cardiovascular health in vulnerable populations.
