Teens With Depression, Bipolar Disorder May Develop Heart Disease

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A statement published by the American Heart Association (AHA) on Tuesday reveals that teens with mental health disorders like depression and bipolar disorder are at risk for heart disease.

The statement was published in the journal Circulation and suggested that teens with the mentioned mood disorders be screened for heart and blood vessel disease.

"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 lead author Dr. Benjamin Goldstein, a Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre child adolescent psychiatrist, in an AHA news release.

According to the report by Forbes, cardiovascular disease may be triggered at a young age and that mental health disorders could be a major contributing factor.

For the study, the researchers analyzed the data of patients under the age of 30 who had been diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. Goldstein and colleagues found that teens suffering from mood disorders are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity.

In the report by Forbes, Goldstein explained that there are two possible connections between the two mood disorders and cardiovascular condition. First could be caused by the harm caused by "excessive inflammation or oxidative stress" to the wiring of the brain. Secondly, the mentioned substances could also be harmful to the lining of the blood vessels in the heart.

The youth of the affected age group also makes them more susceptible to stress and inflammation as they are developing and acquiring life experiences.

"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 said in the press release.  "These disorders indicate an increased risk of heart disease that requires increased vigilance and action at the earliest possible stage."

The NBC News reports that AHA will be issuing guidelines to help remind doctors and raise awareness about the risk factors that come with the two mood disorders among their younger patients.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the average age onset of people with mood disorders in America is 30 years old. There are approximately more than 20 million American adults who are affected with mood disorders.