Heart rate changes linked to depression in women

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Women with no obvious signs of heart disease may still be at risk if they are depressed and have certain heart rate changes.
The heart rate varies in response to fluctuating levels of hormones linked to the nervous system. Now a sub-study of the Women's Health Initiatives shows that variations in this response in women who are depressed could be an early sign of heart disease.

In the study, one in ten showed depressive symptoms. Tests showed that these women had a lower heart rate variability in response to hormonal nervous system changes and also a higher average heart rate. Previous research has shown that reduced heart rate variability is linked to increased death from heart disease - both in those with apparently normal heart health and in those with pre-existing heart disease. In other words, these depressed women could be at risk for future heart disease, even if they show no obvious symptoms now. Other research has also suggested a link between depression and heart disease. These findings underline the importance of diagnosing and treating depression promptly, in case it leads to other health consequences, like heart disease.

Source
Archives of Internal Medicine 13th June 2005