Depression and C-Reactive Protein in US Adults

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Abstract
Over the past 20 years, evidence from observational studies has increasingly indicated that depression is a marker for increased risk for subsequent coronary artery disease (CAD).1-5 The studies have addressed the risk of depression both before and after the development of clinical CAD. In addition, several recent studies have found that depression increases risk for strokes.6,7 The underlying biological mechanism by which depression might increase risk for CAD has not been elucidated. Proposed biological mechanisms have included alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary system, platelet function, and heart rate variability.8,9 Mediating factors that return toward normal when the depression remits would be of particular interest.