Longitudinal effects of depression on cardiovascular risk in developing children: the LOOK Study

Abstract

Background: Depression constitutes a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults. This longitudinal study investigated the effects of depression on prognostic cardiovascular measures and behavioural risk factors in a cohort of Australian children. Methods: Between the ages of 7 and 17 years, 852 children from the LOOK study completed measures of depression (Children’s Depression Inventory), endothelial function (EndoPAT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), cardio-respiratory fitness (20m multistage shuttle run) and percent body fat (DEXA). Findings: General linear mixed models indicated that children with greater depressive symptoms had significantly lower fitness, and greater percent body fat but there was no evidence of any effect on endothelial function or pulse wave velocity. Discussion: Children as young as 7-years are already experiencing depressive symptoms, and more so in less fit and fatter children. Although we did not uncover any direct impact on cardiovascular function, given the risks associated with low fitness and obesity, depression in childhood may be exerting an early impact on the risk of developing CVD in later life.