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Depressive symptoms and six-year cardiovascular mortality in elderly patients with and without heart failure

P Johansson1, U Dahlström, U Alehagen

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden. PeterJohansson@mbox309.swipnet.se

Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal : SCJ
|September 14, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Depressive symptoms (DS) in elderly heart failure (HF) patients significantly increase the risk of death. Early screening for DS is crucial for managing HF patients and improving outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent condition in the elderly.
  • Depressive symptoms (DS) are common in patients with chronic diseases.
  • The impact of DS on mortality in elderly HF patients requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if depressive symptoms (DS) are associated with increased mortality in elderly patients with heart failure (HF).

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 510 elderly patients (65-82 years) with HF symptoms were assessed.
  • Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% confirmed HF.
  • Depressive symptoms (DS) were screened using the Mental Health Index scale.
  • Cardiovascular and all-cause mortality were tracked over 6 years.

Main Results:

  • Adjusted analyses revealed that DS increased the risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR 3.0) and all-cause mortality (HR 2.2).
  • Elderly HF patients with DS exhibited the highest risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR 15.7) compared to those without DS or with preserved ejection fraction.

Conclusions:

  • Depressive symptoms (DS) are an independent predictor of increased mortality in elderly patients with heart failure (HF).
  • Routine screening for DS is recommended in the clinical management of HF patients.
Abstract

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