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Depression and thyroid axis function in coronary artery disease: impact of cardiac impairment and gender

Robertas Bunevicius1, Giedrius Varoneckas, Arthur J Prange

  • 1Institute of Psychophysiology and Rehabilitation, Kaunas University of Medicine, Palanga, Lithuania. robertas_bunevicius@med.unc.edu

Clinical Cardiology
|May 3, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Depression in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients is linked to altered thyroid function and increased cardiac issues. These findings highlight the connection between mental health and heart health, particularly in men.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Depression is prevalent in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • Depression exacerbates disability, reduces quality of life, and increases mortality in heart disease patients.
  • Understanding the interplay between depression and cardiac function is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between depressive symptoms and thyroid axis function in patients diagnosed with CAD.
  • To explore potential biomarkers linking depression and cardiac status in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Seventy-three patients with CAD were assessed for depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
  • Blood samples were collected to measure thyroid axis hormones and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP).

Main Results:

  • Patients with depressive symptoms exhibited higher rates of cardiac failure and elevated NT-pro BNP levels.
  • Depressed CAD patients had lower free triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations and a trend towards higher incidence of low T3 syndrome.
  • Higher NT-pro BNP levels correlated with lower total T3 and higher reverse T3. In men, depression scores correlated with lower total T3 and higher NT-pro BNP.

Conclusions:

  • Depressive symptoms in CAD patients are associated with thyroid axis dysfunction.
  • These changes in thyroid function are linked to cardiac impairment, notably in male patients.
  • The study underscores the importance of assessing thyroid status in depressed CAD patients.
Abstract

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