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A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
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Depression and Physical Activity Post-Cardiac Surgery: 18 Months of Follow-Up
Marc Cohen1, Liza Grosman-Rimon2, Noa Caspi-Avissar3
1Marc Cohen, MD, The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
|August 8, 2025
Summary
Post cardiac surgery, depression symptoms can persist long-term. Higher physical activity levels are linked to lower depression scores, suggesting exercise may aid recovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Depressive symptoms are common after cardiac surgery and can persist for over a year.
- The long-term impact of physical activity on postoperative depression remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between depression and physical activity in patients for 18 months after cardiac surgery.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-seven patients (82.5% male, average age 60.3) were assessed over 18 months.
- Depression was measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale.
- Physical activity was evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire at 18 months.
Main Results:
- Depression scores increased significantly immediately after surgery and at 18 months, despite a temporary decrease post-discharge.
- Higher physical activity levels, measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, correlated with lower depression scores.
- Cardiac rehabilitation participation did not show a significant link to depression scores.
Conclusions:
- Increased physical activity is associated with reduced depression in patients post-cardiac surgery.
- Promoting physical activity may be a key intervention for improving mental health outcomes after cardiac procedures.
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