Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis
18:11

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

Published on: December 28, 2012

The prevalence of unrecognized depression in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Alpesh A Amin1, Angela M H Jones, Karen Nugent

  • 1Mid America Heart Institute of Saint Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA.

American Heart Journal
|October 31, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Depression is common in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, but recognition of these symptoms during hospitalization is low. Factors like race, ejection fraction, and education influence symptom recognition, highlighting a need for better interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Depression is prevalent in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, independently predicting higher mortality and poorer health status.
  • Despite its known impact, the recognition of significant depressive symptoms in hospitalized ACS patients during routine cardiovascular care is poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of recognition of depressive symptoms in hospitalized patients with ACS.
  • To identify factors associated with unrecognized depressive symptoms in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 1181 consecutive patients with confirmed ACS.
  • Hospital records were reviewed to document the recognition of depressive symptoms.
  • Multivariable regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of unrecognized depressive symptoms.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of moderate to severe depressive symptoms was 17.6%.
  • Only 24.5% of patients with depressive symptoms had this recognized and documented.
  • Unrecognized symptoms were associated with minority race, lower ejection fraction (EF < 0.40), and lower education levels.

Conclusions:

  • Moderate to severe depressive symptoms in hospitalized ACS patients are frequently unrecognized, despite their significant prognostic implications.
  • There is a critical need for improved interventions to enhance the recognition and management of depression in ACS patients.
Abstract

More Related Videos

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents06:55

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents

Published on: December 2, 2015

Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model08:15

Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model

Published on: June 6, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management01:26

Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management

Nursing Assessment:Nursing management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves taking the patient's history, focusing on primary complaints such as chest pain, dyspnea, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis), as well as other symptoms like back or jaw pain, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. The nurse also reviews the patient's history of cardiac events, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history, and current medications.In the objective assessment,...
Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...