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Consequences and predictors of depression in patients with chronic heart failure: implications for nursing care and

Peter Johansson1, Ulf Dahlström, Anders Broström

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University Hospital, S-58185 Linköping, Sweden. peterjohansson@mbox309.swipnet.se

Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing
|December 16, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Depression significantly impacts patients with heart failure (HF), worsening symptoms and increasing mortality risk. More research is needed on effective depression interventions for these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Depression is prevalent in patients with chronic heart failure (HF), exacerbating HF symptoms, diminishing quality of life, and elevating the risk of premature mortality.
  • Depressed HF patients incur higher healthcare utilization, contributing to a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems.
  • Identifying depression risk factors (e.g., younger age, poor functioning, prior depression, low self-efficacy, social isolation, relationship distress) and utilizing screening tools are crucial for early detection in HF patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the significant impact of depression on heart failure patients.
  • To review current understanding of depression assessment and risk factors in HF.
  • To emphasize the need for further research into effective depression interventions for HF patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on depression in heart failure.
  • Analysis of identified risk factors and assessment methods for depression in HF.
  • Evaluation of preliminary evidence for various intervention strategies.

Main Results:

  • Depression is linked to poorer HF outcomes, increased healthcare resource use, and higher mortality.
  • Several risk factors and assessment tools can aid in identifying depression among HF patients.
  • While some interventions like pharmacotherapy, education, social support, exercise, and stress management show promise, their effectiveness and side effects in HF patients require thorough investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Depression poses a serious threat to the well-being and survival of individuals with chronic heart failure.
  • Effective screening and risk factor assessment are vital for managing depression in this population.
  • Robust studies are urgently required to evaluate the efficacy and safety of both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions for depression in heart failure patients.

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