Exercise, heart disease and depression

A study of more than 18,000 people has found that those with high levels of fitness at middle age were significantly less likely to die from heart disease in later life even if they were diagnosed with depression.  The study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry found that individuals with high levels of fitness were 56% less likely to die from heart disease following a diagnosis of depression than those with low levels of fitness.

Using a Cooper Institute database of individuals who had their cardiorespiratory fitness measured at the average age of 50, the participants were then followed into later life using Medicare administrative data.  The researchers believe the reason behind the results “May be connected to the general health effects of physical activity, including the fact that exercise decreases inflammation that may cause depression.  By reducing inflammation the risk for depression and heart disease are lowered.”

NOTE:  The Cooper Institute is a non profit dedicated to promoting lifelong health and wellness through research and education.