Depression in adolescents, a cardiac risk factor

---

Extract from the article: Depression and anxiety in adolescents are common and can have important consequences on their health: an increase in addictions (tobacco, alcohol) and risky behaviour; an increase in suicidal behaviour. These anxiety and depressive disorders can have

---

Depression and anxiety in adolescents are common and can have important consequences on their health: an increase in addictions (tobacco, alcohol) and risky behaviour; an increase in suicidal behaviour. These anxiety and depressive disorders can have consequences for heart health in adulthood. Swedish researchers have revealed that between the ages of 50 and 60, men with a history of depression or anxiety have an increased risk of myocardial infarction.  This link between cardiovascular risk and depression in adolescence was confirmed after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors, such as: blood pressure; and body mass index (BMI).

According to the authors of the study, this link can be explained in part by the stress generated by anxiety and depressive disorders. Adolescents with this type of disorder develop three characteristics in adulthood that are linked to cardiovascular risk: lower resistance to stress; poorer physical condition; and a tendency to addictive behaviour (smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use).

The mental health of adolescents is therefore a predictive factor for physical health, and in particular for heart health in adulthood. This is something that parents and health professionals should take into account when an adolescent suffers from anxiety or depression. Long-term monitoring of a teenager's ability to manage stress and take care of his or her health may help reduce the risk of heart attack in adulthood.

William O.