Does stress cause artherosclerosis? Which pathways determine cardiovascular problems for patients with stress (NESDA-VAAT study) (WC2005-096)
Background
Starting date: 01/01/2007Considering the enormous burden and costs of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), detailed knowledge of any amenable risk factor is very important.
Common mental disorders, such as depressive and anxiety disorders, have high potential in this respect, since these:
- are highly prevalent in the community at large and especially in all medical settings;
- can easily be measured;
- are eminently modifiable, once diagnosed.
CVD and affective disorders rank first and second in the WHO's list of disorders with the most quality adjusted life years lost. People with CVD are at increased risk for depression and anxiety, and vice versa. This association also suggests that cardiovacular and common mental disorders have shared pathways.