Depression increases blood clot risk

Depression has long been linked by the medical profession to an array of physical complications in the body, opposed to purely mental.

However, researchers are now claiming that the condition could also heighten a person’s risk of developing blood clots.

A study presented at the American Heart Association’s Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology 2012 Scientific Sessions claims that depression can cause arterial narrowing in the legs and pelvis.

Known as peripheral artery disease (PAD), the condition causes arteries to contract and makes it harder for blood to pass through the body, leading to clots.

The discovery was made when investigators analysed data from 1,024 men and women and tracked them over a period of seven years.

When the study commenced, 12 per cent had both depression and PAD, while seven per cent had PAD without depression.

During the follow up period, nine per cent of depressed patients and six per cent without depression developed PAD.

Read about support and personalised care at Barchester care homes for anyone with mental health concerns.