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Broken heart: depression in cardiovascular disease

K Ranga R Krishnan1

  • 1Professor and Chairman, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, IMC, USA.

Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience
|October 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Depression is a significant risk factor for developing and worsening heart disease. Treating depression with antidepressants may improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality in cardiovascular conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Heart disease and depression are prevalent global health issues.
  • Somatic experiences of sadness may relate to physical sensations.
  • Existing research explores the link between depression and cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate depression as a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • To examine the impact of depression on mortality in patients with established CAD.
  • To assess the safety and efficacy of antidepressants in post-myocardial infarction patients with depression.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, longitudinal studies were analyzed.
  • Data from patients with stable CAD and myocardial infarction were examined.
  • The Sertraline AntiDepressant HeARt attack Trial (SADHART) was referenced.

Main Results:

  • Depression is identified as a risk factor for CAD development.
  • Depression is associated with increased mortality in patients with CAD and myocardial infarction.
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline are safe for post-myocardial infarction patients with depression.

Conclusions:

  • Treating depression in cardiac patients may improve health outcomes.
  • Antidepressant treatment shows potential for improving mortality in cardiovascular patients.
  • Further research into the benefits of treating depression in heart disease is warranted.

Keywords:
depressionheart diseasemortalitymyocardial infarctionsertraline

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