One of the largest ever studies suggests a strong link between depression and death from stroke.

The Caerphilly Study has been looking at the cardiovascular health of a large group of men in Wales for many years now. In the most recent report, an association between having a fatal stroke and suffering from depression and anxiety has been demonstrated.

Men who reported psychological ill health were about two and a half times more likely to die from a stroke than those who were not depressed. Yet the risk of non-fatal stroke or transient ischaemic attack - or 'ministroke' - was not increased by depression. This is similar to other research which demonstrates a link between depression and fatal heart attack.

Why does the mind affect the body in this way? Two possible reasons, say the researchers. Depressed men may be less likely to keep up with treatment, such as medication for high blood pressure. And depression and anxiety might cause changes in the nervous system that adversely affect the circulation to the heart and brain. Whatever the exact mechanism underlying the depression and stroke risk, it shows how seriously doctors - and patients - need to take mental health problems. In fact, say the researchers, psychological check-ups should be as routine as those done on weight and blood pressure.

Source

Stroke January 2002