In a report issued by the JAMA (Journal of American Medicine Association, depression is highly linked to stroke and stroke-related deaths. This was the result of analyzing about 30 studies, involving around 300,000 patients.
The US Center for Disease Control has identified stroke as the third leading cause of death in the United States. About 137,000 Americans die of stroke every year. A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when a clot blocks the blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. You can greatly reduce your risk for stroke through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.
Stroke can cause death or significant disability, such as paralysis, speech difficulties, and emotional problems. Some new treatments can reduce stroke damage if patients get medical care soon after symptoms begin.
As per the data in the report of the study, “Stroke is a leading cause of death and permanent disability, with significant economic losses due to functional impairments. Depression is highly prevalent in the general population, and it is estimated that 5.8 percent of men and 9.5 percent of women will experience a depressive episode in a 12-month period. The lifetime incidence of depression has been estimated at more than 16 percent in the general population.” However, the study noted that it is not crystal clear that depression directly raises the risk for stroke.
Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, led by Dr. An Pan, undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort investigations in order to ascertain the link between depression and the risks of different types of stroke. After searching significant medical literatures, the researchers were able to find 28 prospective cohort studies and researches which matched their criteria. The research consisted of about 317,000 patients. The study revealed that of the population involved, about 8,478 cases of stroke were identified during the interim of the study which ranged from 2 to 29 years.
Upon harmonizing their findings, the researchers were able to find out that depression was linked to an increase of 45% for total stroke risk, 55% increased risk for fatal stroke, while ischemic stroke got 25% risk. In terms of hemorrhagic stroke, depression wasn’t shown to have increased the risk.
According to the investigators, the link between stroke and depression may be established due to several factors. Neuorendocrine effects, immunologic and inflammatory response, poor health habits, obesity and other risk factors and co-morbidities such as diabetes and hypertension might do the link. The use of anti-depressant medication may also contribute to the increase in risk.
Finally, Dr. Pan’s group concluded that “this meta-analysis provides strong evidence that depression is a significant risk factor for stroke. Given the high prevalence and incidence of depression and stroke in the general population, the observed association between depression and stroke has clinical and public health importance. More studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and elucidate the causal pathways that link depression and stroke.”