Intervention options: Depression & Cardiovascular Disease during Covid-19 Pandemia

Abstract

An attempt to review links of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depression and present appropriate treatment methods for handling depression in the COVID-19 pandemic is made. Although depression constitutes one of the major mental health challenges that humankind must encounter in the 21st century it remains undiagnosed and untreated in CVD patients. Its great influence on the progress of CVD led to its classification as a risk factor along with dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes, obesity, substance use, sedentary lifestyle (poor diet, stress) making imperative the need for treatment methods. As during COVID 19 pandemic we witnessed the elevation of mental distress as involving both lifestyle choices and dealing with unprecedented life situations while inducing psychological distress or exacerbating pre-existing physical and mental health problems – depression could act both as a contributor to and as the result of CVD. A 4-step intervention program is suggested.