09.29.09
Indication: Depression (in coronary heart disease)
Source: Psychother Psychosom, 2009;78(2):125-7.
Research: Depression is an established risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) in healthy patients and for adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with existing CHD. Dietary factors resulting in lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids not only increase CHD risk, but may also be involved in the pathophysiology of depression. To test this hypothesis, investigators measured red blood cell levels of DHA and EPA and assessed depressive symptoms in a cross-sectional study of 987 adults with CHD.
Results: The prevalence of depression ranged from 23% in participants in the lowest tertile of omega 3 fatty acids to 13% in participants in the highest tertile. Each unit decrease in EPA + DHA was inversely associated with depressive symptoms, regardless of age, sex and race. However, omega 3 fatty acid levels were no longer associated with depression after adjustment for education and household income level. Researchers say this study extends existing literature by finding a strong association between low omega 3 fatty acids and depression in outpatients with stable CHD, a population distinct from sicker, hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome. To better understand the potential efficacy of omega 3 fatty acid supplementation for improving depressive symptoms in patients with CHD, researchers believe future studies should carefully consider the role of socioeconomic status (SES) in this association.
