Individuals with depression are 4 times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than are those without depression, and the cumulative effects of this comorbidity can result in a loss of 8 to 25 years of life expectancy. Conversely, people with CVD have not only 3 times the rate of depression compared with the general population, but they die at higher rates if they have comorbid depression. Exercise improves both depression and risk factors for CVD, yet most Americans do not exercise regularly, especially those with depression or heart disease. Exercise reduces the risk of dying by CVD and, for some individuals, can have antidepressant effects similar to those of medications.
