The pathophysiology and management of depression in cardiac surgery patients

Depression is common in the cardiac surgery population. This contemporary narrative review aims to explore the main pathophysiological disturbances underpinning depression specifically within the cardiac surgery population. The common non-pharmacological and pharmacological management strategies used to manage depression within the cardiac surgery patient population are also explored.

A total of 1291 articles were identified through Ovid Medline and Embase. The findings from 39 studies were included for qualitative analysis in this narrative review.

Depression is associated with several pathophysiological and behavioral factors which increase the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease which may ultimately require surgical intervention. The main pathophysiological factors contributing to depression are well characterized and include autonomic nervous system dysregulation, excessive inflammation and disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. There are also several behavioral factors in depressed patients associated with the development of coronary heart disease including poor diet, insufficient exercise, poor compliance with medications and reduced adherence to cardiac rehabilitation. The common preventative and management modalities used for depression following cardiac surgery include preoperative and peri-operative education, cardiac rehabilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy, religion/prayer/spirituality, biobehavioral feedback, anti-depressant medications, and statins.

This contemporary review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to depression following cardiac surgery and the current management modalities. Further studies on the preventative and management strategies for postoperative depression in the cardiac surgery patient population are warranted.