Posted by 49er on May 30, 2011, at 11:20:40
In reply to Re: Anti Depressant-Cardio Vascula damage?! » linkadge, posted by Phillipa on May 29, 2011, at 16:51:05
> Link that's what I came on to say anti-psychitry. Just google his name to his website he's been disciplined for false claims on all sorts of things from water purifiers. Only reason I had googled him the holistic pet store I frequent the lady there believes most of this stuff like the water. Worth a google. I am going to forget I signed on and read it. And I will unsubscribe as soon as get a newsletter without reading it. Phillipa
Hi Philipa,
I definitely agree that Mercola is a quack but I found this issue discussed on the CBS newsite.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20050390-10391704.html?tag=mncol;lst;3
There is a clear association between increased intima-media thickness and taking an antidepressant, and this trend is even stronger when we look at people who are on these medications and are more depressed," lead investigator Dr. Amit Shah, a cardiology fellow at Emory University in Atlanta, said in the statement. "Because we didn't see an association between depression itself and a thickening of the carotid artery, it strengthens the argument that it is more likely the antidepressants than the actual depression that could be behind the association."
Dr. Shah said the connection between heart health and antidepressants is poorly understood, adding that the medications may increase levels of chemical messengers like serotonin and norepineprine - which, in turn, might cause blood vessels to constrict or tighten, boosting blood pressure, a risk factor for atherosclerosis.
In the name of disclosure, Dr. Janet Wright, senior vice president for science and quality at the American College of Cardiology, told CBS that she was surprised by the finding but wasn't worried that antidepressant use might be a significant contributor to the nation's heart attack and stroke burden.
What's the take-away message for people taking antidepressants?
"They should know that the association between antidepressants and cardiovascular risk was mild but significant," Dr. Wright said."They should not stop taking their antidepressant but should mention this result to their doctor." In turn, doctors should carefully assess cholesterol levels, blood pressure, lifestyle habits, and other cardiovascular risk factors in patients taking antidepressants, she said.
Obviously, it is not a clear cut issue but personally, if I were on ADS, I wouldn't blow off this risk, particularly if I had an increased cardiovascular and stroke risk or a family history of one.
49er
poster:49er
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URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110529/msgs/986643.html