[The influence of depression on the risk of acute cardiovascular diseases in women].

The aim of the work was to elucidate the relation of depression to the awareness of and attitude to health as well as effect of depression on the risk of acute cardiovascular diseases in women aged 25-64 yr during 16 years. A random representative sample of 870 women residing in Novosibirsk was examined in the framework of MONICA-psychosocial program (WHO) in 1994. The MOPSY test was used for the purpose. All new cases of myocardial infarction and stroke were recorded. The prevalence of depression was estimated at 55.2%. Positive self-evaluation of health decreased as severity of depression increased. Almost 100% of the patients with this condition complained of poor health and were dissatisfied with the care given to improve it. Severe depression is associated with stress experienced at the workplace and in the family; such women rarely keep to the diet and make physical exercises. The relative risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in depressed women during 16 years was 2.53 (p < 0.05) and 4.63 (p < 0.05) higher respectively than in the absence of depression.