Depression in Cardiac Patients Is a Major Cardiovascular Event Risk Factor: A 12-Month Observational Study

Background: Depression is a known factor in poor cardiovascular outcomes but is often underassessed in cardiac units. This study evaluates the impact of depression on cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac interventions. Methods: The study included 133 patients who underwent uncomplicated procedures for degenerative aortic valve stenosis (n = 40), acute coronary syndrome (n = 29), or chronic coronary artery disease (n = 64). Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). The primary endpoint was a major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE). Patients were followed up for 12 months. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to identify MACCE risk factors. Results: Depression was more frequently screened by HAM-D than BDI (42.9% vs. 30.8%, p < 0.001). During follow-up, 26 (19.5%) MACCEs occurred. In univariate analysis, risk factors included BDI score ≥ 11, HAM-D score ≥ 8, diabetes on insulin, anticoagulant use, atrial fibrillation, and serum creatinine level ≥ 130 µmol/L. Depression in the BDI increased the risk of the MACCE 3.6-fold (95%CI: 1.64-8.0, p = 0.001), whereas in the HAM-D, it increased the risk 4.9-fold (95%CI: 1.97-12.24, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed HAM-D score ≥ 8 as the strongest predictor of MACCE (HR: 3.08, 95%CI: 1.18-8.08). Conclusions: Depression is a common finding in cardiovascular patients, and it is a strong risk factor for one-year cardiovascular mortality and adverse event risk. Therefore, we believe that common guidelines should be elaborated between relevant psychiatry and cardiology scientific societies.