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Persistent comorbid symptoms of depression and anxiety predict mortality in heart disease

Lynn V Doering1, Debra K Moser2, Barbara Riegel3

  • 1University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, United States.

International Journal of Cardiology
|June 5, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Persistent anxiety and depression significantly increase mortality risk in patients with ischemic heart disease. Comorbid symptoms, but not isolated ones, were linked to a higher risk of death.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Anxiety and depression are linked to cardiac events and mortality post-acute coronary syndromes.
  • The impact of persistent, comorbid anxiety and depression on mortality in ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of persistent comorbid depressive and anxious symptoms in IHD patients.
  • To evaluate the effect of these persistent symptoms on mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, longitudinal cohort study with 12-month follow-up of 2325 IHD patients.
  • Symptom assessment at enrollment and 3 months using validated questionnaires (Multiple Adjective Affect Checklist, Brief Symptom Inventory).

Main Results:

  • 61.7% of patients had persistent depressive, anxious, or comorbid symptoms at 3 months.
  • Persistent comorbid symptoms were associated with significantly higher mortality (p=.029).
  • Comorbid symptoms increased mortality risk (OR 2.35), while isolated symptoms did not.

Conclusions:

  • Persistent anxiety and depression symptoms substantially elevate the risk of death in IHD patients.
  • Further research into shared and distinct pathways and treatments for these conditions is warranted.
Abstract

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