14 DAY TRIAL // People who suffer from depression are more likely to develop a condition of the cardiovascular system called peripheral artery disease (PAD). The disorder is characterized by impaired blood flow to the limbs and a narrowing of arteries.
This is not the first time that depression has been linked to a negative effect on the coronary arteries, but the investigation does represent a first-of-its-kind confirmation that the mental disorder indeed increases PAD risks, PsychCentral reports.
For this research, investigators used data from the Heart and Soul Study, covering 1,024 men and women in the United States. After following the participants for seven years, the team noticed that 12 percent of depressed test subjects had PAD, while only 7 percent of non-depressed participants had developed the condition.
According to the American Heart Association, depression-mediated PAD can be addressed by changing one's lifestyle. The actions include eating healthier, exercising, and quitting smoking.