Depression and MI

Over the years, a growing body of evidence has suggested that depression and anxiety increased the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the nature of the relationship between heart attacks and mental state remains controversial. Now research suggests that the two conditions might share an underlying cause: inflammation.

Researchers analysed 57,953 Norwegian adults who were free from cardiovascular disease at the start of the study. Of these, 2111 had their first heart attack during a mean follow-up of 11.4 years.

Depression and anxiety increased AMI risk by 31% and 25% respectively. Experiencing mixed anxiety and depression in the two surveys during the study, performed 10 years apart, increased AMI risk by 52%. The heightened risk was most marked during the first five years of follow-up.