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Depression and heart disease

Depression and heart disease

Overview

The link between heart disease and depression has long been thought of as cause-and-effect. Studies are now showing that depression itself may contribute to heart disease.

Review Date 4/19/2025

Updated by: Fred K. Berger, MD, DLFAPA, board-certified in psychiatry, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.