THE IMPACT OF DEPRESSION IN WOMEN ON CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Introduction: Depression, a prevalent mental health condition, goes beyond emotional and psychological impacts, revealing complex connections with cardiovascular health, especially in young women. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a systematic review, considering the influences of gender, age and psychosocial factors to elucidate the relationship between depression and cardiovascular health in women. Goal: To synthesize the relationship between gender, depression and cardiovascular health in existing literature, highlighting the differences in impact on women, in addition to risk factors and underlying mechanisms. Methodology: A systematic review was carried out by selecting studies in the MEDLINE-PubMed database (National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health) published between the years 2013 and 2023. The descriptors used were “Depression in woman AND Gender AND Cardiovascular health”. 418 studies were found, 5 of which were selected by a critical analysis, including only clinical trials.

Results: The studies analyzed in this review revealed a close relationship between depression and cardiovascular health, with evidence that depression is associated with a higher prevalence and severity of coronary artery diseases in both sexes. However, recent studies emphasize notable differences in the effects of depression between genders. Young women under the age of 55 face an even higher cardiovascular risk compared to men in the same age group and older women. Discussion: It is noted that women have a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms which, consequently, increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This can be explained by hormonal factors, such as variation in estrogen levels that intensify the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. As a result, the cardiovascular system is compromised due to an increase in inflammatory reactions. Conclusion: Depression is a relevant risk factor for the development of CVD, especially in women. This biological difference is related to a neuroendocrine discrepancy between males and females, which makes women more susceptible to inflammatory events that are harmful to cardiovascular health. Given the above, it is necessary to develop strategies in Basic Health Care that take into consideration, female individualities in the cardiac and mental spheres, in order to provide them with a better quality of life.