Interaction and mechanisms of depression and cardiovascular disease: a mini-review

PeerJ. 2025 Oct 9;13:e20148. doi: 10.7717/peerj.20148. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the world’s leading cause of death and frequently comorbid with depression. Numerous clinical studies reveal a bidirectional interaction between CVD and depression, mutually exacerbating the pathological progression of both conditions. This comorbidity has emerged as a significant global health challenge, yet targeted therapeutic drugs and strategies remain underdeveloped. This article summarizes the relationship between depression and various CVD types, including coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. We further analyze the underlying mechanisms through autonomic nervous system dysfunction, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation, inflammatory responses, endothelial dysfunction, and platelet activation pathways. By integrating these insights, this review aims to provide references for the development of novel therapeutics for CVD combined with depression.

PMID:41084625 | PMC:PMC12515427 | DOI:10.7717/peerj.20148