A bidirectional relationship between atrial fibrillation and depression: epidemiology, mechanisms, and clinical implications
Wei Luo · 2026
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Description
Wei Luo reviews the two-way relationship between atrial fibrillation and depression in a 2026 article. Atrial fibrillation, the commonest sustained heart rhythm disorder, carries heavy risks of stroke and heart failure, while depression independently worsens cardiovascular health. Evidence now suggests each condition feeds the other.
The review first assembles population research on how often the two co-occur and which risk factors they share. It then works through connecting mechanisms: an autonomic nervous system thrown off balance, chronic inflammation, neurohormonal pathways, and behavior, since depressed patients may move less, sleep worse, and take medication less reliably. Living with an unpredictable racing heart, in turn, erodes mood and quality of life. Clinically, the author argues for integrated care, screening heart patients for depression as routine, and managing both conditions together rather than in separate silos. The piece aims to help clinicians treat the dual burden as one problem.
Catalog record
| CREATOR | Wei Luo |
|---|---|
| YEAR | 2026 |
| COLLECTION | PAPERS |
| FORMAT | TXT |
| FILE SIZE | 49 KB |
| VERSION | 1.0 |
| LICENSE | CC BY 4.0 |
| RIGHTS | CC BY |
| SOURCE | Europe PMC |