A Cross-Sectional Study on the Relationship between Depression and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy,

Background.Despite a large number of studies, the relationship between depression and cardiovascular disease remains ambiguous. This study is the first to investigate the relationship between depression and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) as detected by electrocardiogram. Methods.The subjects were 346 male Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel ages 49 to 55 years. LVH was assessed by electrocardiogram. Depression was measured by the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Other selected risk factors were measured. Odds ratios for LVH in relation to selected variables were calculated. A logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for possible confounding variables. Results.High level of depression (SDS score ≥ 34) showed a high risk of LVH occurrence. After adjusting for BMI, systolic blood pressure, and/or diastolic blood pressure, there was a tendency toward a positive association of LVH with high level of depression. Conclusions.Our present study demonstrated that depression is closely related to LVH. Since LVH could be a predictor of fatal cardiovascular disease, this is of direct relevance to the prescription of preventive measures.