People with depression are more likely to have a heart attack. Individuals who have a heart attack are very likely to become depressed. We are beginning to understand how this works at the level of epigenetics and molecular biology. Check out this video on epigenetics and mental health.
These relationships are mostly at the level of epigenetics rather than genetics. Genetics is the computer code. Epigenetics is the way the computer code is managed. It is the study of which genes are switched on and switched off. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with increased depression, anxiety, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. ACEs are associated with increased cortisol production in the body. Increased cortisol activity and an activated stress response is associated with PTSD, depression, anxiety and suicide. An activated stress response is an epigenetic change due to environmental factors like ACEs. Being small for gestational age is a risk factor for several mental and physical illnesses. Stress during pregnancy increases the likelihood of autism and increased infant stress behavior. Environmental factors can change which genes are on and off.
Children with more ACEs develop higher blood pressure as adults. They are more likely to be depressed. If you look at the diagram above, cortisol also activates the mineralocortocoid receptor (MR) just as aldosterone does. Aldosterone itself is a stress hormone that increases blood pressure, blood sugar, and the risk of heart disease. Primary aldosteronism causes an isolated increase in aldosterone levels produced by a benign tumor. It is associated with an increase in anxiety and depression. Blocking these effects with medications like eplerenone may improve mood. Chronic physical and mental illness are related at the level of epigenetics, molecular biology, and signaling. This is a new day. Best practices can impact both conditions and primary care providers should collaborate with mental health providers for the best results.
Absolutely fascinating, great piece