Several studies have investigated the genetic factors that may contribute to the comorbidity of depression and heart disease. One study found that common genetic factors may underlie both conditions, suggesting that they share a common genetic substrate. Another study found that genetic risk scores for coronary heart disease (CHD) were associated with depression, indicating that genetic variants may increase the risk of both conditions.
Genetic Factors Linking Depression and Heart Disease: A Recent Study
A recent study found that 79 unique genetic loci were jointly associated with depression and coronary artery disease (CAD) or one or more of the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. These genetic loci may contribute to the development of both conditions, suggesting that they share common pathophysiological mechanisms.
Potential Candidate Genes and Mechanisms
Several candidate genes have been identified as potential links between depression and heart disease. One study found that hyperactivity of the noradrenergic and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) systems, reduced heart rate variability, myocardial ischemia and ventricular instability in response to psychological stress, and depression-related exaggerated platelet activity may contribute to the development of both conditions. Another study found that genetic variants in the serotonin transporter gene may interact with environmental factors to increase the risk of both depression and heart disease.