Hearts & Minds: Depression and Cardiovascular Disease

Kevin Kerber, M.D.

Thursday, January 31
7:00-8:30 p.m
Multi-Purpose Room
Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown
353 S. Fifth Avenue

Depression can affect anyone. However, research over the past two decades has shown that people with heart disease are more likely to suffer from depression than otherwise healthy people, and conversely, that people with depression are at a greater risk for developing heart disease.

Because the symptoms of depression may overlap with those of heart disease and other physical illnesses, persons with heart, or cardiovascular, disease may misinterpret depression’s warning signs, mistaking them for inevitable accompaniments to heart disease.

However, treatment of depression can help people to manage both diseases, thus increasing survival rates and enhancing quality of life. To this end, specialists from the University of Michigan Depression Center and Cardiovascular Center are now working together to better diagnose and treat depression in those with heart disease.

To provide greater understanding of the interactions between depression and cardiovascular disease, the University of Michigan Depression Center and the Ann Arbor Public Library will present a Bright Nights community forum entitled, “Hearts & Minds: Depression and Cardiovascular Disease” on Thursday, January 31st, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch (corner of S. Fifth Ave. and William).

Kevin Kerber, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Michigan Medical School and Clinical Director, Depression Center Programs, will present a brief overview of research findings on the co-occurrence of depression and cardiovascular disease. This will be followed by questions from the audience and a discussion with expert panelists.

Bright Nights is open to the public and there is no charge for attendance.