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Depression and Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death and Arrhythmias: A Meta-Analysis

Shaobo Shi1, Tao Liu, Jinjun Liang

  • 1From the Department of Cardiology (Yang, Shi, Liu, Liang, Hu), Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China (Yang, Shi, Liu, Liang, Hu); Masonic Medical Research Laboratory (Hu), Utica, New York.

Psychosomatic Medicine
|September 15, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Depression increases the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and ventricular arrhythmias (VT/VF), as well as atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence. Treating depression may help prevent fatal cardiac events in all populations.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Depression is a known risk factor for cardiac events and mortality.
  • The mechanisms linking depression to sudden cardiac death (SCD) and arrhythmias are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the relationship between depression and the risk of SCD and arrhythmias through a meta-analysis.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic search of MEDLINE, Elsevier, and PsycINFO databases (January 1990 to June 2015).
  • Inclusion of studies correlating depression with SCD, ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF), or atrial fibrillation (AF).
  • Meta-analysis using random-effects models.

Main Results:

  • 17 studies were included, analyzing data from over 118,000 individuals.
  • Depression was associated with a significantly increased risk of SCD (HR, 1.62), VT/VF (HR, 1.47), and AF recurrence (HR, 1.88).
  • No significant association was found between depression and new-onset AF (HR, 0.96).

Conclusions:

  • Depression is linked to a higher risk of SCD, VT/VF, and AF recurrence.
  • Arrhythmias likely play a key role in the association between depression and increased mortality.
  • Systematic evaluation and treatment of depression may aid in preventing lethal cardiac events.
Abstract

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