The combination of depression and heart disease is more deadly than either factor alone, researchers say.

It is already known that either influence can increase the risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke, but there has been little research on both factors combined. Now, experts writing in the journal Heart have concluded the risks are higher if a person is both depressed and suffers from heart disease.

Almost 6,000 middle-aged British men and women were followed for nearly six years for the research, led by teams from University College London and the University of Versailles in France.

Around one in five of those taking part had both heart disease and depression. Overall, 170 people died during the study period, including 47 from cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks or strokes.

Heart health

The results showed that people with heart disease alone had a 67 per cent higher chance of dying from any cause than those without either heart disease or depression.

They found people with heart disease alone had a 67% higher chance of dying from any cause than those without either heart disease or depression.

But the combination of heart disease and depression tripled the risk of death from any cause and quadrupled the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

Amy Thompson, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, which partly funded the study, said: “This study builds on previous research which suggests that depression is linked to coronary heart disease.

“Enjoying regular exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet can help if you are feeling low – so, good news for your mental health as well as your heart health.

“Whether or not you have heart disease, if you feel depressed it’s essential to talk to your doctor.”