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Depressed teens need to take care of their heart, according to a new study. Researchers said the latest findings suggest early monitoring for heart and blood vessel disease among teens with major depression or bipolar disorder.

"Youth with mood disorders are not yet widely recognized as a group at increased risk for excessive and early heart disease. We hope these guidelines will spur action from patients, families and healthcare providers to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among these youth," lead authors Benjamin I. Goldstein, M.D., Ph.D.,a child-adolescent psychiatrist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the University of Toronto, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, said in a statement.

Previous research reveals that teens with major depression or bipolar disease were significantly more likely to suffer high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, type 2 diabetes and hardening of the arteries.

After accounting for unhealthy behaviors like drug abuse, smoking and being physically inactive, researchers found that depression still significantly increased the risk of cardiovascular risk.

"Mood disorders are often lifelong conditions, and managing cardiovascular risk early and assertively is tremendously important if we are to be successful in ensuring that the next generation of youth has better cardiovascular outcomes," Goldstein concluded. "These disorders indicate an increased risk of heart disease that requires increased vigilance and action at the earliest possible stage."

The findings are published in the journal Circulation.