Mood Disorders and Cardiovascular Diseases in Older People

An intense demographic aging phenomenon has been seen globally during the last decades. It was more intense in developing countries, including Romania. Prevalence of cardiovascular conditions and mood disorders increases with age. There is a possible correlation between these two categories of diseases in people beyond the age of 65 years. Increasing scientific data support connection between depression and cardiovascular diseases. Their association represents a complex and interactive model of physiological and behavioral processes, often difficult to decode. Many studies showed the possibility of reducing risks of cardiovascular events by treating depression. Improvement of mood disorders can significantly increase quality of life in older patients, concomitantly increasing compliance to therapies for cardiovascular conditions. A trilateral correlation between depression, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases has been identified leading to an amplification of morbidity and mortality through all these diseases. Depression increases two or three folds risk of mortality post myocardial infarction. There are many possible physiological connections between depression and cardiovascular disorders, also many behavioral connections like increased risk of smoking, high body mass index, reduced exercise, all representing possible ways of intervention. Promoting behavioral changes, including diet and regular exercise, as well as stress management, are important components of cardiac rehabilitation programs.