Abstract
Abstract Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary heart disease or heart failure, are often chronic. Aim and method: The aim of this study was to review the literature on the prevalence of depressive disorders and the use of antidepressants in cardiovascular disease. For this purpose, articles available in PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used. Results: About one in five patients with cardiovascular disease suffers from major depressive disorder. Psychosocial stress, depression and anxiety, are associated with poorer prognosis and make it more difficult for patients to make positive lifestyle changes and comply with medical recommendations. Conversely, depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular incidents. Regarding pharmacotherapy, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered safe drugs, while tricyclic antidepressants are not recommended. In the treatment of depression and cardiovascular diseases, supplementation or a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is worth mentioning. Conclusions: The above literature review highlights the need for a multidirectional approach that is essential to diagnose, understand and then treat these, often comorbid, conditions of cardiovascular disease and depression.
Highlights
Cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary heart disease or heart failure, are often chronic
Psychosocial stress, depression and anxiety are associated with poorer prognosis and make it more difficult for patients to make positive lifestyle changes and comply with medical recommendations
For example, in the prospective cohort study The Heart and Soul Study [5] conducted in San Francisco, where 1017 outpatients with stable coronary artery disease were observed and it was found that depressive symptoms were associated with a 31% higher rate of cardiovascular events
Summary
Cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary heart disease or heart failure, are often chronic. This means that a patient once diagnosed with a disease often has to cope with its symptoms, therapy and possible complications for the rest of his or her life. The burden of chronic illness often affects the mental health of patients. Many studies have shown that depression is more prevalent in the population with cardiovascular disease but is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the healthy population [1]. Very little evidence is available on the safety of antidepressants in coronary heart disease and heart failure. No studies have shown whether treating depression in patients with cardiovascular disease will improve their prognosis [2]
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