New study shows depression increases risk by 29 per cent
Women with a history of depression have a 29 per cent increased risk of suffering a stroke, according to a report in the BBC. The new study looked at over 80,000 women aged 54 to 79, and found that depressed women were more likely to be single, smokers, and less physically active, as well as being slightly younger with a higher body mass index. They also suffered from conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Depression seems to stop some women from curbing other medical problems, taking their medications and following a healthy lifestyle, they said.