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Depression and chronic heart failure in the elderly: an intriguing relationship
Ilaria Liguori1, Gennaro Russo1, Francesco Curcio1
1Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology : JGC
|August 16, 2018
Summary
Elderly patients with chronic heart failure often have unrecognized depression, worsening outcomes. Screening and multidisciplinary treatment, including exercise, are crucial for better quality of life and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- High prevalence of chronic heart failure and depressive disorders in the elderly.
- Depression exacerbates chronic heart failure outcomes, and vice versa, particularly in older adults.
- Shared symptoms often lead to underdiagnosis of depression in elderly heart failure patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the complex relationship between chronic heart failure and depression in the elderly.
- To highlight the need for recognizing and managing depression in this population.
- To discuss potential pathophysiological links and treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on the comorbidity of chronic heart failure and depression in the elderly.
- Analysis of shared pathophysiological mechanisms (e.g., neurohormonal, inflammatory, vascular).
- Evaluation of diagnostic screening tools and multidisciplinary treatment approaches.
Main Results:
- The pathophysiological link between chronic heart failure and depression is not fully established.
- Depression in elderly heart failure patients is often unrecognized despite its negative prognostic value.
- Multidisciplinary treatment, including psychotherapy, exercise, and pharmacotherapy, is recommended.
Conclusions:
- Screening for mood disorders using validated questionnaires is recommended for elderly chronic heart failure patients.
- Exercise training shows promise for improving quality of life and prognosis.
- Cardiac rehabilitation services remain underutilized despite their benefits.
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