Journal of thrombosis and thrombolysis
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J. Thromb. Thrombolysis · Jan 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyPlatelet and endothelial activity in comorbid major depression and coronary artery disease patients treated with citalopram: the Canadian Cardiac Randomized Evaluation of Antidepressant and Psychotherapy Efficacy Trial (CREATE) biomarker sub-study.
Major depression is an independent risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Increased platelet activity and vascular endothelial dysfunction are possible pathways through which depression may increase cardiovascular risk. Citalopram exhibits strong selective inhibition of human platelet activation, but little is known about its effects on vascular endothelium. We assessed whether treatment of depressed CAD patients with citalopram alters platelet/endothelial biomarkers. The study was performed within the framework of the CREATE trial. ⋯ Treatment with citalopram for 12 weeks in depressed CAD patients is associated with enhanced production of nitric oxide despite the co-administration of commonly prescribed anti-platelet regimens including aspirin and clopidogrel. Clinical implications of these findings are unclear, but improved endothelial function is implied by the increased NO production, suggesting that citalopram may be of particular benefit for patients with comorbid depression and vascular disease including CAD, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and diabetes.