Is Depression an Independent Risk Factor for Stroke?

Depressive symptoms are associated with increased risk for stroke or TIA — but only in people younger than 65.

Depression is a well-recognized sequela of stroke, occurring in more than 25% of patients, and has a potential negative effect on outcome. Depression is more common after left hemispheric infarcts, especially in the frontal lobe, and may be caused by disruption of catecholamine pathways. However, the risk for stroke in patients with depressive symptoms has not been sufficiently evaluated.

In this study, researchers reported data on 4120 participants in the Framingham Heart Study who were followed for up to 8 years. Baseline assessment of all participants using a standard depression scale, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), indicated that 10.7% had depressive symptoms (scores ≥16). During follow-up, stroke occurr…

Reviewing Authors

Rima M. Dafer, MD, MPH, FAHA

José Biller, MD, FACP, FAAN, FAHA

Is Depression an Independent Risk Factor for Stroke?

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Reviewing Authors