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Objective: Previous studies have shown a possible link between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and suicidal ideation (SI). However, limited information exists regarding the association between different subtypes of CVD and SI and the role of depression., Methods: Data were used from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for cycles 2009-2010 and 2011-2012. SI was assessed by item 9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9. Data regarding sociodemographic factors, and comorbid conditions were collected and examined as potential correlates. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between CVD and subtypes and suicidal ideation., Results: Among a total of 11,678 participants, suicidal ideation was significantly higher among patients with CVD compared to participants without a history of CVD (5.4% vs 3.6%, P<0.001). A subset of patients with CVD with a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) and prior myocardial infarction (MI) had the highest percentage of SI (10.6%). The association between CVD and SI remained significant after adjusting for baseline characteristics and associated comorbidities including depression (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.10-2.09, P=0.006)., Conclusion: CVD is an independent risk factor for SI. The identification of a subset of patients with CVD at greatest risk of SI underlines the importance of screening in this vulnerable population., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)