Coolidge's silence gave insight into his health

Calvin Coolidge was elected president on Nov. 4, 1924, winning 2.5 million more votes than the two other men on the ballot combined.

But he later admitted that the job had lost its allure, writing after he left the White House that when his son died, "the power and glory of the presidency went with him."

He lost interest in politics and served out his term a broken man.

Coolidge withdrew from his regular meetings with members of Congress and had clerks deliver his messages. He instructed Congress to determine its own legislative agenda, telling members they were "closer to the people."

His approach to foreign affairs was similar. "You settle the problem, and I'll back you up," he told the secretary of state. He admitted not knowing details of agriculture policy, and also claimed ignorance of rampant stock speculation that earned the era its "Roaring '20s" nickname.

The first lady said her husband "lost his zest for living." The chief usher of the White House described him as "highly disturbed."

Coolidge announced in 1927 that he would not seek reelection in 1928.

Post presidency, Coolidge moved to Northampton, Mass. and wrote a syndicated newspaper column, "Calvin Coolidge Says." He tried to relax by taking his small motorboat on the Connecticut River.

He was just 61 when he died of a heart attack, officially recognized as coronary thrombosis, Jan. 5, 1933. Shortly before his death, Coolidge confided to an old friend: "I feel I no longer fit in with these times."

Depression has been linked with cardiovascular disorders through a number of mechanisms. Most obviously, people who are depressed may not take prescribed medicines or they may abuse substances including drugs and alcohol. They may eat and sleep poorly, and not get enough exercise. But depression also leads to chemical changes that can harm the heart, such as increased blood pressure, stress hormones, insulin, cholesterol, and glucose levels, as well as higher levels of inflammation and blood clotting.

Not only has depression shown to be a risk factor for heart disease, it may also contribute to a poorer prognosis after a heart attack.

- Allan B. Schwartz