New research conducted at Harvard University in America has suggested there is a strong link between long term depression and an increased risk of stroke. With the higher risk unfortunately remaining even when the depression is successfully resolved. The team analysed data from over 16,000 people aged over 50 who were asked about depressive symptoms, stroke risk factors and incidence of stroke during health interviews every two years over 12 years. They found that depressed individuals at the first interview had an 66 per cent increased risk of stroke and those reporting depression at two consecutive interviews had twice the risk of suffering a stroke. It is already known that depression is associated with high blood pressure, stress and increased inflammation plus depressed people are more likely to undertake known risk factors for stroke such as smoking and little exercise. Further research is however planned to fully understand the link and potentially develop clear guidelines for helping those at risk.