Antidepressants linked to heart disease
As reported on Sat Apr 2 in Reuters, Antidepressants use is linked with an increase risk of heart disease. Middle-age men who use antidepressants are more likely to have a narrowing of blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, than those who do not use the medications, according to a study of more than 500 male twins with a mean age of 55. Depression itself not seen associated with thickening.
A study of twins found evidence of atherosclerosis, as measured by the thickness of the carotid artery, regardless of the type of antidepressant taken. Antidepressant use was found to cause a roughly 5 percent increase in carotid artery thickness.
It is hypothesised that the raising of levels of certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin and adrenalin, through antidepressant use may cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to decreases in blood flow to organs and higher blood pressure, a risk factor for atherosclerosis.
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Carina Harkin BHSc.Nat.BHSc.Hom.BHSc.Acu.