Depressed mood over time after open heart surgery impacts patient well-being: a combined study

Depression is a common cause of decreased well-being after open heart surgery (OHS) and a risk factor for new cardiac events. Little is known about the long-term prevalence of depressive symptoms after OHS or their effect on well-being. The aim of this study was to explore the presence of depressed mood in patients during the recovery phase after open heart surgery as well as depressed mood and well-being 3 years later.

Eighty consecutively included patients completed a questionnaire about depressed mood at 5 weeks, 5 months and 3 years after OHS. A telephone interview took place after receipt of the third questionnaire to explore their well-being. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed separately and thereafter together.

Depressed mood occurred in 52% of the patients during recovery or 3 years after OHS. The qualitative content analysis produced the theme of transition, which was based on three categories.

Depressed mood was reported by the majority of patients during recovery after OHS and had a long-term effect on their well-being. OHS constituted a transition for all patients, but those with depressed mood had difficulty finishing the transition process and reorientating life.