Depression and Physical Activity Post-Cardiac Surgery: 18 Months of Follow-Up

The prevalence of depressive symptoms post cardiac surgery remains high even 1 year after the operation. However, the relationship between postsurgery long-term depression and physical activity is not well understood.

The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between depression and physical activity levels in patients during an 18-month follow-up period post cardiac surgery.

Fifty-seven patients with 82.5% men and an average age of 60.3 years were followed up for 18 months in the study. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Physical activity levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire at 18 months.

The most common procedures were cardiac bypass (49.1%) and valve replacement (35.1%). Compared with preoperative levels (14.4 ± 1.5), depression scores were significantly increased immediately post surgery (21.0 ± 1.3, P  = .002), decreased at 10 days post discharge (14.4 ± 1.2, P  < .001), and increased again at 18 months post discharge (19.0 ± 1.1, P  = .01). Physical activity levels, measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, were inversely associated with depression scores. Participation in cardiac rehabilitation did not show a significant relationship with depression scores.

Patients with higher International Physical Activity Questionnaire scores had lower Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scores, highlighting the potential benefits of physical activity in managing postoperative depression. These findings underscore the importance of promoting physical activity as a potential intervention to improve mental health in patients who had undergone cardiac surgery.