Heart disease and depression go hand in hand. If you are chronically depressed, you are at increased risk for heart disease-and the opposite is true as well. In fact, studies report that anywhere from 17 to 27 percent of hospitalized patients with coronary artery disease ALSO experience major depression. Research also shows that chronic stress, elevated cholesterol and lack of exercise can both FUEL DEPRESSION and heart disease--and INDICATE that you have those conditions. STRESS is a whole body emotion that triggers a complex cascade of hormonal and physical responses. Frequent spikes in adrenaline and cortisol-the stress hormones-can cause rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and increased blood clotting. All of which are bad for the circulatory system.And feeling constantly stressed can cause brain changes that trigger depression. For example, stress can lead to reduced levels of available serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain, which are linked to mood and depression. CHOLESTEROL is produced in the liver and when you are depressed, biochemical changes in the body can cause the liver to crank out too much, damaging arteries and raising your risk of a heart attack. In addition, research has shown that people with depression are more prone to blood clots and constricted blood vessels, which are known to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. If you ARE dealing with both depression and heart disease, taking antidepressants called serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors, or SSRIs, may improve the health of your circulatory system as they ease your depression. And physical activity and exercise are proven ways to strengthen your heart and improve your mood. For more information on how to treat depression, see the other videos in this series.