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Depression in patients with heart failure: physiologic effects, incidence, and relation to mortality

Sue Ann Thomas1, Erika Friedmann, Meenakshi Khatta

  • 1School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltomore 21201, USA. Thomas@son.umaryland.edu

AACN Clinical Issues
|February 8, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Depression significantly impacts heart failure patients, increasing mortality. Early detection and nursing interventions for depression can improve outcomes and reduce deaths in heart failure management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Nursing

Background:

  • Heart failure affects millions, with depression a significant concern.
  • Depression in heart failure patients is linked to increased morbidity and mortality.
  • Existing research on depression in heart failure is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of depression in heart failure patients.
  • To highlight the role of nurses in managing depression in heart failure.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on depression incidence and outcomes in heart failure.
  • Analysis of factors influencing depression in heart failure patients.
  • Exploration of nursing interventions for depression management.

Main Results:

  • Depression incidence in heart failure ranges widely (13%–77.5%).
  • Men with heart failure have a higher risk of depression.
  • Hospitalized heart failure patients show higher depression rates than outpatients.
  • Depression is associated with increased mortality, potentially due to physiological changes.

Conclusions:

  • Depression is a critical issue in heart failure management.
  • Nurses play a vital role in detecting and treating depression in heart failure patients.
  • Reducing depression may decrease mortality rates in heart failure.

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