Cardiovascular Business (12/5, Walter ) reports, “Depression is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among women, according to new data,” but “the same trend is not seen in men.” Investigators came to this conclusion after examining “U.K. Biobank data from more than 345,000 patients,” focusing on how major depression, bipolar disorder, “and schizophrenia may impact a patient’s long-term risk of developing atrial fibrillation…coronary artery disease or heart failure.” The findings were published in Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine.

Related Links:

— “Genetic predisposition to depression increases CVD risk in women, but not men,” Michael Walter, Cardiovascular Business, December 5, 2024

HealthDay (12/4, Thompson ) reports, “People who smoke and vape are less able to break free of their nicotine addiction than folks who only have one of those habits, a new review concludes.” Researchers found that “these ‘dual users’ are more likely to eventually drop vaping and continue smoking tobacco.” The findings were published in ERJ Open Research.

Related Links:

— “Smoking/Vaping Combo Lowers Odds for Quitting Nicotine, “Dennis Thompson, HealthDay , December 4, 2024

HealthDay (12/4, Thompson ) reports, “Access to psychotherapy has increased substantially among Americans, particularly young adults, a new study has found.” Study results indicate that “about 12% of young adults received psychotherapy in 2021, followed by 8% of the middle-aged and 5% of seniors.” Researchers found that “overall, the percentage of U.S. adults receiving psychotherapy rose from about 7% in 2018 to 9% in 2021, and telemedicine may be the reason why.” The findings were published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Related Links:

— “As ‘Teletherapy’ Takes Hold, Nearly 12% of Young Adults Now Undergo Psychotherapy,”Dennis Thompson, HealthDay, December 4, 2024

Healio (12/3, Schaffer ) says, “Survivors of an acute MI reported fear of a recurrence up to 8 months later, along with high levels of perceived stress that were distinct from depression and anxiety symptoms, researchers reported.” The investigators “noted that the fear of recurrence and the relationships with illness perceptions and perceived stress suggest psychological sequelae may interfere with adaptive coping.” The findings were presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.

Related Links:

— “Fear of recurrence consistent source of stress for heart attack survivors,”Regina Schaffer, Healio, December 3, 2024

Healio (12/3, Southall ) reports, “Sexual and gender minority physicians and trainees had a higher likelihood for burnout and lack of professional fulfillment compared with their straight, cisgender colleagues, according to study results.” In addition, “sexual and gender minority attendings expressed a higher intent to leave the profession compared with their non-sexual and gender minority peers.” The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.

Related Links:

— “Sexual, gender minority physicians, trainees report high rates of burnout,”Jennifer R. Southall , Healio, December 3, 2024