Abstract 10987: Acute Coronary Syndrome, Depression, and Anxiety in Female Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Female patients are significantly more likely than male patients to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS), correlated with higher rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Yet, it is unclear if all female patients are impacted broadly or if specific subgroups of female patients are at elevated risk. We aimed to identify the cardiovascular and psychosocial variables correlated with increased depression and anxiety symptoms immediately post-ACS as well as at 3 and 6-month follow-up. Hypothesis: There is a combination of cardiovascular and psychosocial factors associated with elevated depressive/anxious symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score ≥8 on the depression/anxiety subscales) in female patients post-ACS. Methods: This was a prospective multi-center questionnaire-based clinical research study featuring data from 6 sites across Canada using a logistic regression model to delineate multivariate strength of association. Baseline visit (within 72 hours of ACS) included HADS and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Follow-up visits (3 and 6-months) include HADS, Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire, new health events, mortality, Short Form-12 Health Survey, and Somatic Symptom Scale-8. Results: A total of 245 patients were included in analysis (Table 1). HADS-A≥8 was associated with increased health anxiety at baseline (OR6.56; p<0.001). Conversely, HADS-D≥8 was associated with low social support at baseline (OR3.35; p=0.005) and 3-month follow-up (OR22.65; p<0.001) as well as previous diagnosis of depression at 3-month (OR22.73; p<0.001) and 6-month (OR5.50; p=0.02) follow-up. Conclusion: We identify key factors associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety post-ACS in female patients. Developing a deeper understanding of the relationship between mental health and ACS will benefit patients by informing intervention and prevention strategies.