Antidepressants ‘heart disease link’

LONG-TERM use of antidepressants could increase the risk of heart disease, say researchers.

A Bristol University study found ‘concerning associations’ between taking pills over ten years and increases in heart disease, death from cardiovascular disease and earlier death from any cause.

But the researchers said they could not be sure it was not depression itself pushing up the risks of heart issues, a concern which was echoed by other experts who said those using the drugs should not be alarmed by the findings.

They should not stop taking their drugs and speak to their GP if concerned, said study author Dr Narinder Bansal. Some 8.3million patients took antidepressants last year, a 6 per cent rise on the previous year, according to the NHS .