Depression is a highly prevalent risk factor for incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with established CHD. In this Review, Carney and Freedland consider the evidence for depression as a cardiac risk factor, and summarize the biological and behavioural mechanisms that might link depression to CHD. They also consider whether treatment of depression can prevent cardiac morbidity and mortality in patients with CHD.
- Robert M. Carney
- Kenneth E. Freedland
