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Depression and health status in elderly patients with heart failure: a 6-month prospective study in primary care

Mark D Sullivan1, Katherine Newton, Julia Hecht

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Studies, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. sullimar@u.washington.edu

The American Journal of Geriatric Cardiology
|September 15, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Depression significantly impacts the health status of elderly heart failure patients, affecting symptoms, function, and quality of life. Early detection and treatment of depression are crucial for this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatrics
  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent condition in elderly outpatients.
  • Depression is common in patients with chronic illnesses like HF.
  • The impact of depression on health status in this population requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of depression among elderly outpatients with heart failure.
  • To assess the effects of depression on the health status of these patients.

Main Methods:

  • A 6-month prospective cohort study involving 139 elderly outpatients with heart failure.
  • Psychiatric diagnoses using the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.
  • Health status assessment via EQ-5D, SF-36, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, and symptom severity scales.

Main Results:

  • Depression prevalence: 9% major/dysthymia, 10% minor depression.
  • Adjusted analyses revealed significant differences in health status across depression groups.
  • Depression negatively affected general health, physical function, HF symptoms, and quality of life.

Conclusions:

  • Depression has significant and persistent adverse effects on the health status of elderly heart failure patients.
  • These effects encompass HF symptoms, physical/role function, and quality of life.
  • Addressing depression may reduce healthcare utilization and costs in this population.

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