A study of cardiovascular risk among depressed obese patients

Background: Both depression and obesity are widespread problems with major public health implications. Depression and obesity are both associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and with marked impairments in the quality of life. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the CVD risk and cardiovascular risk factors among depressed obese individuals. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients of depression whose body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2 and diagnosed with ICD-10 criteria of depression were selected as study group and 30 healthy obese of BMI >30 kg/m2 without depression were selected as the control group for the study. The participants were divided into two groups: obese patients with depression and healthy obese individuals without depression. Fasting venous blood sample was collected under aseptic condition to estimate fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, and high - density lipoprotein cholesterol. Using standard mercury manometer at least two readings at 5 - min intervals, were taken to measure the blood pressure (BP) in the supine position. Both the groups were subjected to specially designed pro forma which included personal and sociodemographic details and Framingham risk assessment tool for assessing cardiovascular risk. The cardiovascular risk was assessed and compared using Framingham risk score assessment tool. Results and Conclusion: Mean age of depressed obese was 46.44 ± 10.44 years and healthy obese had 47.33 ± 10.53. Mean BMI of study group was 32.82 ± 2.53 and healthy obese had 31.76 ± 1.66. BMI was significantly associated with depression. Presence of depression in obese patients increases the chances of CVD risk. Presence of smoking, hypertension, and high cholesterol in patients with depression, increase the risk of CVD, which can be modified by healthy diet, regular exercise, and BP management with periodic blood investigation and regular medication.