Association of Depressive Symptoms With Incident Cardiovascular Diseases in Middle-Aged and Older Chinese Adults

Abstract

Depressive symptoms are common among middle-aged and older adults.^1,2 China, like much of Asia, is experiencing an increase in older adults. The prevalence of depressive symptoms in older adults has become an increasingly important public health priority.^3-5 A national survey in China⁶ showed that approximately 30% of men and 43% of women aged 45 years and older experienced depressive symptoms. Epidemiological studies^7-9 have found that depressive symptoms are associated with a range of negative health outcomes, such as coronary heart diseases, stroke, and all-cause mortality.