Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 11, 2026
Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
Factors associated with anxiety and depression among patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator
1The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
Insights
Older patients (aged ≥60) with implantable cardioverter defibrillators who are more self-care dependent experience higher depression. Being married and having ischemic heart disease are associated with lower depression. Strategies to reduce psychological distress are highlighted.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) improve survival from life-threatening arrhythmias but can negatively impact health-related quality of life.
- Anxiety and depression are common and significantly associated with reduced quality of life in ICD patients.
- Limited understanding exists regarding factors contributing to anxiety and depression in this patient population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with anxiety and depression in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
- To inform strategies aimed at improving psychological well-being and quality of life for ICD recipients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed.
- Secondary data analysis was conducted on a convenience sample of patients with ICDs.
- Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale via face-to-face interviews.
Main Results:
- Older age (60-69 and ≥70 years) and greater self-care dependence were significantly associated with increased depression.
- Being married and having ischemic heart disease were significantly associated with decreased depression.
- No significant factors were identified as being associated with anxiety in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Factors influencing depression in ICD patients include age, self-care ability, marital status, and presence of ischemic heart disease.
- Older age and higher self-care dependence correlate with increased depression, while marriage and ischemic heart disease correlate with decreased depression.
- Clinical practice should focus on early screening, comprehensive assessment of self-care needs, and family involvement to mitigate depression and enhance quality of life in ICD patients.
Aims And Objectives:
To identify factors associated with anxiety and depression of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
Background:
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator is effective to increase survival from life-threatening arrhythmias, but it lowers health-related quality of life. Anxiety and depression had significant negative association with health-related quality of life. However, knowledge about factors associated with these two negative emotions in this specific population is inadequate.
Design:
A cross-sectional descriptive design was conducted. Secondary analysis was performed to address the aim.
Methods:
A convenience sampling of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators was performed. Anxiety and depression were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale through face-to-face interview.
Results:
Stepwise multivariable regression results showed that older age (aged 60-69 and ≥70: B = 2·08 and 3·31, p = 0·039 and <0·001), self-care dependence (B = 3·47, p < 0·001), being married (B = -2·21, p = 0·004) and having ischaemic heart disease (B = -1·80, p = 0·008) were significantly associated with depression. However, there was no significant factor associated with anxiety.
Conclusions:
Factors associated with depression among patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator are identified. Older age (aged ≥60) and more self-care dependence have positive, but being married and having ischaemic heart disease have negative association with depression. Strategies to reduce psychological distress are highlighted.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
The study findings direct the care to improve health-related quality of life by reducing and controlling vulnerabilities arising from depression. Patients who are older people (≥aged 60) and more self-care dependent perceive higher depression. Nursing strategies are suggested to reduce depression especially for those who are older people and more self-care dependent. Early screening is essential to provide immediate care for reducing vulnerabilities arising from depression. Performing comprehensive assessment for self-care ability and providing adequate assistance are crucial. Family involvement may reduce depression through providing physical and psychosocial support.
Related Concept Videos
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
01:14Decreased pulse rate
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with...
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia