Final answer:
Research has shown a strong link between depression and cardiovascular disease. Individuals with depression are more likely to develop heart disease and experience higher mortality rates. Routine depression screening is recommended for individuals with heart disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research has shown a strong link between depression and cardiovascular disease. Multiple studies have found that individuals with depression are more likely to develop heart disease and experience higher mortality rates compared to those without depression. Depression, especially if experienced early in life, may increase the likelihood of living an unhealthy lifestyle, which can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
For example, a study examining childhood depression found that adolescents who had been diagnosed with depression as children were more likely to be obese, smoke, and be physically inactive. Additionally, chronically experiencing negative emotional states, such as depression, anxiety, hostility, and trait anger, may also contribute to the risk of heart disease.
Therefore, it is important to recognize depression as a risk factor for heart disease and prioritize routine depression screening for individuals with cardiovascular problems.