Teens With Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder Should Have Heart Monitoring

New findings published in the journal Circulation advise heart monitoring for depressed teenagers. The latest research suggests that heart and blood vessel disease is much higher among teens with major depression and/or bipolar disorder.

"Youth with mood disorders are not yet widely recognized as a group at increased risk for excessive and early heart disease. We hope these guidelines will spur action from patients, families and healthcare providers to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among these youth," said Benjamin I. Goldstein, M.D., Ph.D., lead author and a child-adolescent psychiatrist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the University of Toronto, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in a news release.

Major depression and bipolar disorder are estimated to affect roughly 10 percent of U.S. adolescents. Furthermore, worldwide, major depression is estimated to be the main cause of disability among teens, while bipolar disorder is the fourth-leading cause.

Previous research has shown that adults with either of the mental health issues are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular health issues, particularly at earlier ages, including health problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and hardening of the arteries.

After accounting for unhealthy behaviors that included drug abuse, sedentary lifestyles and smoking, researchers found that depression still significantly increased the risk for cardiovascular health issues.

"Mood disorders are often lifelong conditions, and managing cardiovascular risk early and assertively is tremendously important if we are to be successful in ensuring that the next generation of youth has better cardiovascular outcomes," Goldstein concluded. "These disorders indicate an increased risk of heart disease that requires increased vigilance and action at the earliest possible stage."

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