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Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >> The findings are published in the February issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.
Stewart isn't sure why depression has this effect. "Depression has been associated with some physiological changes, including in the immune system. These physiological changes probably explain this association," he said.
The study also found that the 5 percent of study participants taking antidepressants fared better than those with depression who weren't taking the drugs. "They had significantly reduced progression of atherosclerosis," Stewart said.
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But, because the sample was so small, it isn't possible to make a definitive statement about the value of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in reducing atherosclerosis, Stewart said. "There is intriguing evidence that SSRIs may be associated with reduced progression of atherosclerosis," he said.
Stewart thinks the study findings may help in treating and preventing heart disease.
"Identifying the harmful aspects of emotion could lead to the identification of people who are at risk for heart disease due to their tendency to experience negative emotions and who may benefit from psychological and pharmacological intervention," he said. "Identifying these harmful aspects could also lead to the development of more focused and potent interventions."
Dr. Nieca Goldberg, chief of women's cardiac care at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, noted that depressed people are less likely to take care of themselves and have more risk factors for heart disease.
"People who are depressed don't adopt a healthy lifestyle," said Goldberg, a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association and author of The Women's Healthy Heart Program. "They overeat, smoke more, may drink more. In addition, people who have depression have platelets that are more likely to clot."
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