Depression and Oxidative Stress Interaction in Stable Coronary Heart Disease

It was concluded that depression (D) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and is not related to other previously determined cardiac risk factors. Compared with non-depressed patients, the risk of cardiac arrest increased in less severely depressed patients. D worsens the CVD prognosis by significantly increasing the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease (CHD). Some studies suggest that OS directly increases the risk of D in patients with CVD. Oxidative stress (OS) is considered an emergency mechanism that relates to both CVD and D pathophysiology. The common risk factors increase the production of OS and reduce antioxidant defences, thereby promoting the occurrence and development of interacted ischaemic CVD and D. At present, there is insufficient evidence that routine screening of D in patients with CHD will ultimately help improve the patient’s condition. This review reiterates the need for a multidisciplinary approach, which is necessary to understand, diagnose and then treat this frequent co-morbid condition of CHD and D. Assessment of OS markers could modify risk stratification, diagnosis and prevention and treatment of patients with both CHD and D, in patients with and without previous cardiac history.