Association between Mental Health and Coronary Heart Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background and purpose: According to some evidence, psychological factors play an important role in the development and progression of cardiac diseases. But there are contradictions about the independent relationship between psychological distress and coronary heart disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between mental health and non-fatal coronary heart disease (CHD). Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in 5042 people in Amol, Iran. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to measure mental health. The participants were followed up for about seven years based on history and hospital records of coronary heart disease. Data analysis was done applying independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, logistic regression, and survival analysis. Results: The highest rates of mental health problems were seen in women younger than 40 years of age living in urban areas. The prevalence of mental health problems and incidence of CHD were 21.9% and 4.5%, respectively. The hazard ratio for non-fatal CHD was 1.009 (0.709-1.435, CI= 95%, P=0.960). Conclusion: This study showed no significant correlation between mental health and CHD. But, current findings should be interpreted carefully on the basis of social factors and methodological constraints.