Serotonergic mechanisms: a potential link between affective disorders and cardiovascular risk.

Cardiovascular disease and major depression are highly prevalent disorders in our society. Evidence has been found that confirms a reciprocal relationship between mechanisms of depression and those of cardiovascular pathology. This possible feedback between both pathologies is a subject of great concern. In recent years some studies suggest that platelets and serotonergic mechanisms could be involved in both conditions. The present review seeks a better understanding of the mechanisms that could link depression with an enhanced cardiovascular risk.