Association between depression and anxiety and the development of cardiovascular diseases: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

1 José Rogério da Silva, 2Alana Cardoso de Argolo Silva, 3 José Honório de Almeida Palma da Fonseca, 4 Janete Capel Hernandes & 5Viviane Cruvinel Di Castro

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between Depression, Anxiety, and the development of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD). Methods: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis was conducted, including observational studies without restrictions on date or language, in the databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and grey literature, excluding letters, editorials, protocols, and conference abstracts. Descriptors from DeCS, MeSH, Emtree, and relevant keywords were applied. Three independent reviewers performed qualitative and quantitative analyses (Odds Ratio – OR and frequency) using EndnoteWeb and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (random-effects model, I² and Cochran’s Q tests). Joanna Briggs Institute tools supported the assessment of risk of bias, and the GRADE approach was used to evaluate the strength of evidence. Results: Fourteen studies published between 2008 and 2024 were included, comprising a total of 471,104 participants of both sexes, with ages ranging from 41.2 to 66.6 years, and presenting moderate to high methodological quality. Findings revealed an 85% increased likelihood of individuals with Depression developing CVD (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.47–2.33, p < 0.001; I² = 27%) and an 18% increased likelihood for those with Anxiety (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.84–1.67, p > 0.05; I² = 86%). Conclusions: Depression and Anxiety are important psychosocial factors that significantly contribute to the risk of developing or worsening cardiovascular diseases, and the comorbidity of these conditions warrants further investigation in future research.

Registration: PROSPERO Registration - CRD420251115684

Keywords: Depression. Anxiety. Cardiovascular Diseases. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Disponível em: https://revistas.unasp.edu.br/LifestyleJournal/article/view/2022