Safety and efficacy of sertraline for depression in patients with CHF (SADHART-CHF): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of sertraline for major depression with congestive heart failure

Sigma-1 Receptor Signaling: In Search of New Therapeutic Alternatives for Cardiovascular and Renal Diseases

Cardiovascular and renal diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide, and regardless of current efforts, there is a demanding need for therapeutic alternatives to reduce their progression to advanced stages. The stress caused by diseases leads to the activation of protective mechanisms in the cell, including chaperone proteins. The Sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) is a ligand-operated chaperone protein that modulates signal transduction during cellular stress processes. Sig-1R interacts with various ligands and proteins to elicit distinct cellular responses, thus, making it a potential target for pharmacological modulation. Furthermore, Sig-1R ligands activate signaling pathways that promote cardioprotection, ameliorate ischemic injury, and drive myofibroblast activation and fibrosis. The role of Sig-1R in diseases has also made it a point of interest in developing clinical trials for pain, neurodegeneration, ischemic stroke, depression in patients with heart failure, and COVID-19. Sig-1R ligands in preclinical models have significantly beneficial effects associated with improved cardiac function, ventricular remodeling, hypertrophy reduction, and, in the kidney, reduced ischemic damage. These basic discoveries could inform clinical trials for heart failure (HF), myocardial hypertrophy, acute kidney injury (AKI), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we review Sig-1R signaling pathways and the evidence of Sig-1R modulation in preclinical cardiac and renal injury models to support the potential therapeutic use of Sig-1R agonists and antagonists in these diseases.

The Anti-Depressant Effects of Statins in Patients With Major Depression Post-Myocardial Infarction: An Updated Review 2022

Statins are the most commonly prescribed lipid-lowering agents in patients with cardiovascular disease, and more than half of the patients with cardiovascular disease have associated depressive symptoms, particularly post-myocardial infarction, which is a major trigger for depression. In our research, we tried to understand the anti-depressant effects of statins, the mechanisms, risks and benefits, and potential drug-drug interactions with anti-depressant medications. We reviewed all the relevant information from inception up to September 2022 regarding the anti-depressant effects of statins. The database used was PubMed, and the keywords were statins, major depression, post-myocardial infarction, and hydroxy methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors. We have screened each of the articles carefully, including both human and animal studies, and found a positive correlation between reduction in depressive symptoms with statin therapy as adjunctive treatment with conventional anti-depressants. In conclusion, statins as a monotherapy are not an effective treatment for depression post-myocardial infarction but are good add-on options along with standard therapy such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Statins are safe and have no serious drug-drug interactions with anti-depressants. We would like to encourage large-scale observational studies and further post-marketing surveillance to improve our knowledge regarding the effectiveness of statins in the treatment of depression.

Statins and Antidepressants: A Comprehensive Review and Clinical Outlook of the Risks and Benefits of Co-prescription (2022)

Antidepressants are the most prescribed medications in the United States, and the most frequently prescribed antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) followed by serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), and norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRI). On the other hand, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, also known as statins, are the most prescribed lipid-lowering medications, and because the majority of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) have depressive symptoms, it is essential to understand the possible drug-drug interactions these two classes of medications can have, their potential synergistic mechanisms, and possible risks. In our research, we tried to understand the facts and uncover any missing links regarding the potential risks and benefits of statins and antidepressant co-prescription in the current clinical scenario. We reviewed all the relevant information from inception up to October 2022 regarding the antidepressant and statin polypharmacy. The databases we used were PubMed and PubMed Central, and the 11 keywords were "statins," "SSRI," "SNRI," "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors," "serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors," "antidepressants," "HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors," "tricyclic antidepressants," "monoamine oxidase inhibitors," "serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors," and "norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors." We carefully screened each of the relevant articles, including animal and human studies. In our study, we concluded that co-prescription of statins and SSRIs/SNRIs was generally safe and should be encouraged due to the potential synergistic nature of their effects in patients with CVD and major depression, and caution is advised with all other classes of antidepressants. We would like to encourage the undertaking of large-scale observational studies and proactive postmarketing surveillance to improve our knowledge regarding this topic considering the immense clinical importance it holds by directly and indirectly affecting half the population worldwide.

The Risk of Fatal Arrhythmias Associated With Sertraline in Patients With Post-myocardial Infarction Depression

Sertraline is a first-line antidepressant and the most commonly used in the treatment of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in major depression. It is preferred due to its central and peripheral actions on the serotonergic system in patients with mental health issues as well as cardiovascular disease, particularly post-myocardial infarction depression. Some of the feared adverse effects include QT prolongation, arrhythmias including Torsades de pointed, and sudden cardiac death, which are associated with older antidepressants and are rarely seen with SSRIs, including sertraline. We tried to understand the risks associated with sertraline use in cardiac patients. We reviewed all the relevant information from inception up to July 2022 regarding the risks of sertraline use in cardiovascular diseases, particularly with a focus on post-myocardial infarction depression, and gathered around 500 articles in our research and narrowed it down to 37 relevant articles. The database used was PubMed and the keywords used are sertraline, arrhythmia, major depression, post-myocardial infarction, and ventricular tachycardia. We carefully screened all relevant articles and found articles supporting and refuting the effects of sertraline in increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We concluded that there is a significant variability due to confounding factors affecting individual cases. Overall, sertraline has no increased risk in comparison with other antidepressants and a comparatively preferable safety profile to other SSRIs like citalopram in general cases. Any patient with a high risk of arrhythmias due to any etiology should receive a screening ECG before sertraline prescription for baseline QT interval and genotyping for any serotonin transporter/receptor variations. Patients should also be periodically monitored for drug-drug interactions while on therapy. We encourage further research, including randomized clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance regarding the use of sertraline in high-risk cases.

The molecular role of Sigmar1 in regulating mitochondrial function through mitochondrial localization in cardiomyocytes

Sigmar1 is a widely expressed molecular chaperone protein in mammalian cell systems. Accumulating research demonstrated the cardioprotective roles of pharmacologic Sigmar1 activation by ligands in preclinical rodent models of cardiac injury. Extensive biochemical and immuno-electron microscopic research demonstrated Sigmar1's sub-cellular localization largely depends on cell and organ types. Despite comprehensive studies, Sigmar1's direct molecular role in cardiomyocytes remains elusive. In the present study, we determined Sigmar1's subcellular localization, transmembrane topology, and function using complementary microscopy, biochemical, and functional assays in cardiomyocytes. Quantum dots in transmission electron microscopy showed Sigmar1 labeled quantum dots on the mitochondrial membranes, lysosomes, and sarcoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial interface. Subcellular fractionation of heart cell lysates confirmed Sigmar1's localization in purified mitochondria fraction and lysosome fraction. Immunocytochemistry confirmed Sigmar1 colocalization with mitochondrial proteins in isolated adult mouse cardiomyocytes. Sigmar1's mitochondrial localization was further confirmed by Sigmar1 colocalization with Mito-Tracker in isolated mouse heart mitochondria. A series of biochemical experiments, including alkaline extraction and proteinase K treatment of purified heart mitochondria, demonstrated Sigmar1 as an integral mitochondrial membrane protein. Sigmar1's structural requirement for mitochondrial localization was determined by expressing FLAG-tagged Sigmar1 fragments in cells. Full-length Sigmar1 and Sigmar1's C terminal-deletion fragments were able to localize to the mitochondrial membrane, whereas N-terminal deletion fragment was unable to incorporate into the mitochondria. Finally, functional assays using extracellular flux analyzer and high-resolution respirometry showed Sigmar1 siRNA knockdown significantly altered mitochondrial respiration in cardiomyocytes. Overall, we found that Sigmar1 localizes to mitochondrial membranes and is indispensable for maintaining mitochondrial respiratory homeostasis in cardiomyocytes.

Sigmar1's Molecular, Cellular, and Biological Functions in Regulating Cellular Pathophysiology

The Sigma 1 receptor (Sigmar1) is a ubiquitously expressed multifunctional inter-organelle signaling chaperone protein playing a diverse role in cellular survival. Recessive mutation in Sigmar1 have been identified as a causative gene for neuronal and neuromuscular disorder. Since the discovery over 40 years ago, Sigmar1 has been shown to contribute to numerous cellular functions, including ion channel regulation, protein quality control, endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial communication, lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, autophagy activation, and involved in cellular survival. Alterations in Sigmar1’s subcellular localization, expression, and signaling has been implicated in the progression of a wide range of diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, ischemic brain injury, cardiovascular diseases, diabetic retinopathy, cancer, and drug addiction. The goal of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of Sigmar1 biology focusing the recent discoveries on Sigmar1’s molecular, cellular, pathophysiological, and biological functions.

Mechanism and therapeutic strategies of depression after myocardial infarction

Depression resulted as an important factor associated with the myocardial infarction (MI) prognosis. Patients with MI also have a higher risk for developing depression. Although the issue of depression after MI has become a matter of clinical concern, the molecular mechanism underlying depression after MI remains unclear, whereby several strategies suggested have not got ideal effects, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In this review, we summarized and discussed the occurrence mechanism of depression after MI, such as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) dysfunction, altered hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function, gut microbiota imbalance, exosomal signal transduction, and inflammation. In addition, we offered a succinct overview of treatment, as well as some promising molecules especially from natural products for the treatment of depression after MI.

Palliative Care in Acute Heart Failure

Purpose of Review

Palliative care is increasingly acknowledged as beneficial in supporting patients and families affected by heart failure, but policy documents have generally focused on the chronic form of this disease. We examined palliative care provision for those with acute heart failure, based on the recently updated National Consensus Project Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care.

Recent Findings

The commonest reason for hospitalization in those > 65 years, acute heart failure admissions delineate crisis points on the unpredictable disease trajectory. Palliative care is underutilized, often perceived as limited to end-of-life care rather than determined by regular systematic needs assessment. No dominant paradigm of palliative care provision has emerged from the nascent evidence base related to this clinical cohort, underscoring the need for further research.

Summary

Embedding palliative support as mainstream to heart failure care from the point of diagnosis may better ensure treatment strategies for those admitted with acute heart failure remain consistent with patients’ preferences and values.

Transcranial direct current stimulation: A novel approach in the treatment of vascular depression

BACKGROUND

Despite the impact of depression in terms of personal suffering and socioeconomic burden, most currently available treatment options are often ineffective. A particularly difficult-to-treat depressive disorder characteristic of the elderly is vascular depression, a late-life depressive syndrome related to a variety of potential vascular mechanisms. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive and effective somatic approach to depression, also showed positive effects on cognitive deficits.

AIM

We performed a double-blind randomized study to investigate the efficacy of tDCS as augmentation strategy to sertraline in the treatment of vascular depression, hypothesizing a positive effect in both depressive symptoms and cognitive functions.

METHODS

We enrolled 93 inpatients over 60 years of age with a diagnosis of vascular depression. Depressive symptoms were weekly assessed (T0, T1, T2) with the 21-items Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS). Cognitive functioning was evaluated with the Milan Overall Dementia Assessment (MODA) at baseline and after the treatment protocol. All patients were randomly assigned into three groups, Group I: one tDCS stimulation per day, Group II: two tDCS stimulations per day, Sham group: one sham tDCS stimulation per day. Stimulation was performed for 10 consecutive working days.

RESULTS

A significant interaction time∗treatment was observed on HDRS scores (F = 14, p < 0.001). All groups improved at T1 but whereas Group II significantly differed from the Sham group (p < 0.001) we observed no difference between Sham and Group I. At T2 all groups improved but Group II showed the greater improvement (vs. Sham p < 0.001; vs. Group I p < 0.001) and the Sham group the smallest (vs. Group I p = 0.005). A significant interaction time∗treatment was also observed on MODA scores (F = 3.31, p = 0.04). Only subjects treated with tDCS improved at T2 (Group I: p < 0.001; Group II: p = 0.007). However, no difference between Group I and II was shown.

CONCLUSION

tDCS as augmentation treatment of an adequate pharmacotherapy is a potential strategy in the management of vascular depression, a disease known to be often unresponsive to antidepressants only. Non-invasiveness, the absence of severe side effects and the possibility of administering it to outpatients at an affordable price make tDCS an important tool in clinical practice.

Bright light therapy for depressive symptoms in hospitalized cardiac patients: A randomized controlled pilot trial

Depression is common among cardiac patients and associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Bright light therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for depressive symptoms, however it has not yet been investigated in this population. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial to assess the feasibility of a larger-scale trial testing bright light therapy for depressive symptoms in cardiac patients. Patients hospitalized for an acute coronary syndrome or undergoing cardiac surgery were randomized to either bright light (10,000 lux) or dim light placebo (500 lux) lamps for 30 minutes each day over 4 weeks, beginning in-hospital. Depression was quantified using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21). The Short-Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) was used to measure quality of life. A total of 175 patients were screened and 15 were randomized (8 treatment, 7 placebo) (8.6%) over 10 months. Despite protocol amendments which broadened the inclusion criteria, the trial was terminated early for infeasibility based on the rate of enrollment (1–2 participants/month), with 39.5% of the target sample (38 participants) enrolled. Future trials should take into account the timing of the onset of depressive symptoms in these patients, and consider a less conservative approach to eligibility as well as ways to increase the acceptability of bright light therapy in hospitalized cardiac patients. Once enrolled, our findings suggest that most participants will adhere to the assigned treatment and complete follow-up.

Prescribing for moderate or severe unipolar depression in patients under the long-term care of UK adult mental health services

BACKGROUND

A quality improvement programme addressing prescribing practice for depression was initiated by the Prescribing Observatory for Mental Health.

METHODS

A baseline clinical audit against evidence-based practice standards was conducted in UK adult mental health services.

RESULTS

A total of 55 mental health services submitted data for 2082 patients, under the care of a community psychiatric team (CMHT) for at least a year, with a diagnosis of moderate or severe unipolar depression, 54% of whom had a comorbid psychiatric diagnosis. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were prescribed for 35% of the patients, other newer generation antidepressants for 60%, tricyclic antidepressants for 6% and monoamine oxidase inhibitors for <1%. The most commonly prescribed individual antidepressants were mirtazapine (33%, usually in combination with another antidepressant), venlafaxine (25%) and sertraline (21%). Patients with severe depression were more likely (p < 0.001) to be co-prescribed an antipsychotic medication, lithium, or to have received electroconvulsive therapy. There was a documented clinical review in the last year in 85%, with a symptom rating scale used in 11%. A documented comprehensive treatment history was accessible for 50% of those prescribed antidepressant medication.

CONCLUSION

Patients with moderate or severe depression remaining under the care of a CMHT for longer than a year are clinically complex. The failure to achieve a level of wellness allowing discharge from mental health services may be partly related to the finding that not all patients had the benefit of a systematic approach to clinical assessment and sequential testing of available evidence-based pharmacological interventions.

Psychopharmacology and Cardiovascular Disease

This review discusses common mental health disorders and their associations with cardiovascular disease risks. Commonly found mental health disorders include depression, anxiety, and personality types. The link between depression and cardiovascular disease mortality has been established. Depression is also common in patients with heart failure. In addition to discussing psychological disorders, a review of psychotropic drugs is also included. Drugs are described for therapy for depression and anxiety, as well as associations with cardiovascular drug-drug interactions. Drug-drug interactions are more common and potentially dangerous in elderly patients, in whom the conditions often coexist. The most common drug-drug interactions involve the P450 system of enzymes.

The negative effects of social bond disruption are partially ameliorated by sertraline administration in prairie voles

Negative social experiences influence both depression and cardiovascular dysfunction. Many individuals who experience negative mood states or cardiovascular conditions have limited social support. Therefore, investigation of drug treatments that may protect against the consequences of social stress will aid in designing effective treatment strategies. The current study used an animal model to evaluate the protective effect of sertraline administration on behavioral and cardiovascular consequences of social stress. Specifically, male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), which are socially monogamous rodents that share several behavioral and physiological characteristics with humans, were isolated from a socially-bonded female partner, and treated with sertraline (16 mg/kg/day, ip) or vehicle during isolation. Unexpectedly, sertraline did not protect against depression-relevant behaviors, and it was associated with increased short- and long-term heart rate responses. However, sertraline administration improved heart rate variability recovery following a behavioral stressor, including increased parasympathetic regulation, and altered long-term neuronal activity in brain regions that modulate autonomic control and stress reactivity. These results indicate that sertraline may partially protect against the consequences of social stressors, and suggest a mechanism through which sertraline may beneficially influence neurobiological control of cardiac function.

Cardiac Dysfunction in the Sigma 1 Receptor Knockout Mouse Associated With Impaired Mitochondrial Dynamics and Bioenergetics

Background The Sigma 1 receptor (Sigmar1) functions as an interorganelle signaling molecule and elicits cytoprotective functions. The presence of Sigmar1 in the heart was first reported on the basis of a ligand-binding assay, and all studies to date have been limited to pharmacological approaches using less-selective ligands for Sigmar1. However, the physiological function of cardiac Sigmar1 remains unknown. We investigated the physiological function of Sigmar1 in regulating cardiac hemodynamics using the Sigmar1 knockout mouse (Sigmar1-/-). Methods and Results Sigmar1-/- hearts at 3 to 4 months of age showed significantly increased contractility as assessed by left ventricular catheterization with stimulation by increasing doses of a β1-adrenoceptor agonist. Noninvasive echocardiographic measurements were also used to measure cardiac function over time, and the data showed the development of cardiac contractile dysfunction in Sigmar1 -/- hearts as the animals aged. Histochemistry demonstrated significant cardiac fibrosis, collagen deposition, and increased periostin in the Sigmar1 -/- hearts compared with wild-type hearts. Ultrastructural analysis of Sigmar1-/- cardiomyocytes revealed an irregularly shaped, highly fused mitochondrial network with abnormal cristae. Mitochondrial size was larger in Sigmar1-/- hearts, resulting in decreased numbers of mitochondria per microscopic field. In addition, Sigmar1-/- hearts showed altered expression of mitochondrial dynamics regulatory proteins. Real-time oxygen consumption rates in isolated mitochondria showed reduced respiratory function in Sigmar1-/- hearts compared with wild-type hearts. Conclusions We demonstrate a potential function of Sigmar1 in regulating normal mitochondrial organization and size in the heart. Sigmar1 loss of function led to mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal mitochondrial architecture, and adverse cardiac remodeling, culminating in cardiac contractile dysfunction.

The effect of a peer support intervention on early recovery outcomes in men recovering from coronary bypass surgery: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Examine the effect of a professionally-guided telephone peer support intervention on recovery outcomes including depression, perceived social support, and health services utilization after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with post-coronary artery bypass graft surgery men ( N=185) who were randomized before hospital discharge. The intervention arm received telephone-based peer support through weekly telephone calls from a peer volunteer over six weeks, initiated within 3-4 days of discharge.

RESULTS

Although a significant difference was detected in pre-intervention depression scores at discharge, there were no differences between groups in changes in depression scores at six weeks ( p=0.08), 12 weeks (0.49) or over time ( p=0.51); and no significant differences in perceived social support scores over time ( p=0.94). At 12 weeks, the intervention group had significantly lower incidence of health services utilization (family physician ( p=0.02) and emergency room ( p=0.04)).

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare providers need to continue to investigate novel interventions to enhance social support and reduce depression in cardiac patients.

A Positive Psychology Intervention for Patients with an Acute Coronary Syndrome: Treatment Development and Proof-of-Concept Trial

Positive psychological constructs are associated with superior outcomes in cardiac patients, but there has been minimal study of positive psychology (PP) interventions in this population. Our objective was to describe the intervention development and pilot testing of an 8-week phone-based PP intervention for patients following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Initial intervention development and single-arm proof-of-concept trial, plus comparison of the PP intervention to a subsequently-recruited treatment as usual (TAU) cohort. PP development utilized existing literature, expert input, and qualitative interview data in ACS patients. In the proof-of-concept trial, the primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability, measured by rates of exercise completion and participant ratings of exercise ease/utility. Secondary outcomes were pre-post changes in psychological outcomes and TAU comparisons, measured using effect sizes (Cohen's d). The PP intervention and treatment manual were successfully created. In the proof-of-concept trial, 17/23 PP participants (74 %) completed at least 5 of 8 exercises. Participants rated the ease (M = 7.4/10; SD = 2.1) and utility (M = 8.1/10, SD = 1.6) of PP exercises highly. There were moderate pre-post improvements (ds = .46-.69) in positive affect, anxiety, and depression, but minimal effects on dispositional optimism (d = .08). Compared to TAU participants (n = 22), PP participants demonstrated greater improvements in positive affect, anxiety, and depression (ds = . 47-.71), but not optimism. A PP intervention was feasible, well-accepted, and associated with improvements in most psychological measures among cardiac patients. These results provide support for a larger trial focusing on behavioral outcomes.

Depression predicts mortality and hospitalization in heart failure: A six-years follow-up study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms (DS) and its relation on hospitalization for cardiovascular (CV) causes and all-cause mortality risk among outpatients with HF.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted on 130 adult outpatients with HF. The Beck Depression Inventory Scale-second edition (BDI-II) was used to screen for DS. All-cause mortality and hospitalization for CV causes were registered over 6 years. Logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the independent prognostic value of DS on mortality and hospitalization for CV causes after adjustment for clinical risk factors.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 6 years, 44% of patients were classified as having DS. Sixty-two participants died for all causes, representing 61% of those with DS and 37% of those without (p=0.006); Forty-nine participants (38%) were hospitalized for CV causes, representing 49% of those with DS and 29% of those without (p=0.027). Logistic regression analysis indicated that DS predicted all-cause mortality (OR: 2.905; 95% CI:1.228-6.870; p=0.006) and multinomial logistic regression indicated that DS were predictive of hospitalization for CV causes (OR: 3.169; 95% CI: 1.230-8.164; p=0.027). These associations were independent of conventional risk factors.

LIMITATIONS

Only outpatient sample; measure of DS only at baseline; cause of death was not known.

CONCLUSION

This study, first held in a portuguese population, showed that DS are independent predictors of death and hospitalization for CV causes among HF patients and its impact persists over 6 years.

Inflammation Markers and Major Depressive Disorder in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure: Results From the Sertraline Against Depression and Heart Disease in Chronic Heart Failure Study

BACKGROUND

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and chronic heart failure (CHF) have in common heightening states of inflammation, manifested by elevated inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein. This study compared inflammatory biomarker profiles in patients with CHF and MDD to those without MDD.

METHODS

The study recruited patients admitted to inpatient care for acute heart failure exacerbations, after psychiatric diagnostic interview. Patients with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores lower than 10 and with no history of depression served as the nondepressed reference group (n = 25). MDD severity was defined as follows: mild (BDI 10-15; n = 48), moderate (BDI 16-23; n = 51), and severe (BDI ≥ 24; n = 33). A Bio-Plex assay measured 18 inflammation markers. Ordinal logistic models were used to examine the association of MDD severity and biomarker levels.

RESULTS

Adjusting for age, sex, statin use, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, tobacco use, and New York Heart Association class, the MDD overall group variable was significantly associated with elevated interleukin (IL)-2 (p = .019), IL-4 (p = .020), IL-6 (p = .026), interferon-γ (p = .010), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (p = .002), macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (p = .003), and tumor necrosis factor α (p = .004). MDD severity subgroups had a greater probability of elevated IL-6, IL-8, interferon-γ, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, macrophage inflammatory protein 1β, and tumor necrosis factor α compared with nondepressed group. The nondepressed group had greater probability of elevated IL-17 (p < .001) and IL-1β (p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

MDD in patients with CHF was associated with altered inflammation marker levels compared with patients with CHF who had no depression. Whether effective depression treatment will normalize the altered inflammation marker levels requires further study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00078286.

Managing comorbidities in patients with chronic heart failure: first, do no harm

Heart failure (HF) affects approximately 5.1 million adults in the USA, with expectations of a rise to nearly 8 million adults by 2030. Patients with HF are at increased risk for morbidity/mortality, and comorbidities can further complicate care for these patients. Diabetes mellitus, chronic pain, arrhythmias, and depression are diagnoses that often coexist with HF. Medications commonly used to treat these comorbidities may induce or worsen HF symptoms, so determining appropriate drug therapy is important. Healthcare providers must understand the relationship between these medications and HF in order to improve prescribing practices to increase patient safety and reduce morbidity and mortality. This manuscript discusses the association between certain medications used to treat the aforementioned diagnoses and their relationship to HF. The purpose of this article is to provide guidance on which pharmacologic options require special consideration, increased monitoring, or complete avoidance in HF patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic pain, arrhythmias, and/or depression.

Functional constituents of a local serotonergic system, intrinsic to the human coronary artery smooth muscle cells

Human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis and coronary artery diseases (CAD). Serotonin is a mediator known to produce vascular smooth muscle cell mitogenesis and contribute to coronary atherosclerosis. We hypothesize that the HCASMC possesses certain functional constituents of the serotonergic system such as: tryptophan hydroxylase and serotonin transporter. Our aim was to examine the presence of functional tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH1) and serotonin transporter (SERT) in HCASMCs. The mRNA transcripts by qPCR and protein expression by Western blot of TPH1 and SERT were examined. The specificity and accuracy of the primers were verified using DNA gel electrophoresis and sequencing of qPCR products. The functionality of SERT was examined using a fluorescence dye-based serotonin transporter assay. The enzymatic activity of TPH was evaluated using UPLC. The HCASMCs expressed both mRNA transcripts and protein of SERT and TPH. The qPCR showed a single melt curve peak for both transcripts and in sequence analysis the amplicons were aligned with the respective genes. SERT and TPH enzymatic activity was present in the HCASMCs. Taken together, both TPH and SERT are functionally expressed in HCASMCs. These findings are novel and represent an initial step in examining the clinical relevance of the serotonergic system in HCASMCs and its role in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis and CAD.

A dynamic view of comorbid depression and generalized anxiety disorder symptom change in chronic heart failure: the discrete effects of cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and psychotropic medication

PURPOSE

No previous study has reported upon comorbid depression and anxiety disorders and their treatment in heart failure (HF), which the current study has sought to document.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total 29 HF patients under psychiatric management underwent primary depression cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT; n = 15) or primary generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) CBT (n = 14), and participated in a community exercise program and standard physician care. Repeated measures analysis of variance assessed Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and GAD-7 symptom change pre- and post-CBT treatment, and assessed the interaction effects of treatment type, exercise, anti-depressant and anxiolytic.

RESULTS

There was a significant time and treatment interaction effect that favored the primary GAD CBT group for reduction in PHQ symptoms (F(1, 24) = 4.52, p = 0.04). Analysis of PHQ-somatic symptoms also showed a significant main effect for participation in the exercise program (F(1, 24) = 4.21, p = 0.05) and a significant time and anxiolytic interaction (F(1, 24) = 3.98, p = 0.05). The average number of cardiac hospital readmissions favored the primary GAD CBT group (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings support the use of multifaceted interventions in the rehabilitation of HF patients with comorbid psychiatric needs. Implications for Rehabilitation Comorbid depression and anxiety disorders are a clinical and research focus that deserves more attention in the treatment of heart failure patients. Cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and anxiolytic use was associated with significant changes in depression and anxiety though discrete effects were evident. Multifaceted interventions are most likely to be successful in the rehabilitation of HF patients with psychiatric needs.

The real world mental health needs of heart failure patients are not reflected by the depression randomized controlled trial evidence

INTRODUCTION

International depression screening guidelines in heart failure (HF) are partly based on depression treatment efficacy from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Our aim was to test the external validity of depression RCT criteria in a sample of real-world HF patients.

METHODS

HF patients admitted to 3 hospitals in South Australia were referred to a HF psychologist if not already receiving current psychiatric management by psychologist or psychiatrist elsewhere. Screening and referral protocol consisted of the following; (a). Patient Health Questionnaire ≥ 10; (b). Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire ≥ 7); (c). positive response to 1 item panic attack screener; (d). evidence of suicidality. Patients were evaluated against the most common RCT exclusion criteria personality disorder, high suicide risk, cognitive impairment, psychosis, alcohol or substance abuse or dependency, bi-polar depression.

RESULTS

Total 81 HF patients were referred from 404 HF admissions, and 73 were assessed (age 60.6 ± 13.4, 47.9% female). Nearly half (47%) met at least 1 RCT exclusion criterion, most commonly personality disorder (28.5%), alcohol/substance abuse (17.8%) and high suicide risk (11.0%). RCT ineligibility criteria was more frequent among patients with major depression (76.5% vs. 46.2%, p<.01) and dysthymia (26.5% vs. 7.7%, p = .03) but not significantly associated with anxiety disorders. RCT ineligible patients reported greater severity of depression (M = 16.6 ± 5.0 vs. M = 12.9 ± 7.2, p = .02) and were higher consumers of HF psychotherapy services (M = 11.5 ± 4.7 vs. M = 8.5 ± 4.8, p = .01).

CONCLUSION

In this real-world sample comparable in size to recent RCT intervention arms, patients with depression disorders presented with complex psychiatric needs including comorbid personality disorders, alcohol/substance use and suicide risk. These findings suggest external validity of depression screening and RCTs could serve as a basis for level A guideline recommendations in cardiovascular diseases.

QTc prolongation, torsades de pointes, and psychotropic medications

BACKGROUND

Prolongation of the corrected QT (QTc) interval is a key issue for patients who receive psychotropic medications. Such patients may have baseline clinical risk factors for QTc prolongation, and many psychotropic medications may further prolong this interval. This has great clinical relevance, as QTc prolongation is linked with dangerous arrhythmias, especially torsades de pointes (TdP).

METHODS

We summarize current literature regarding appropriate methods of calculating the QTc interval, the association of the QTc interval with TdP, and risk factors for QTc prolongation. We then review connections between psychiatric medications and QTc prolongation, with a specific focus on antidepressants and antipsychotics.

RESULTS

QTc interval prolongation is an established, though imperfect, risk marker for TdP. There are no well-controlled studies that assess the risk of TdP associated with psychotropic agents. There are limited data that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as a class are linked to QTc prolongation; citalopram appears more likely than others to induce this phenomenon. Among antipsychotics, thioridazine remains the agent most associated with QTc prolongation; intravenous haloperidol also appears to carry an increased risk. Of the atypical antipsychotics, ziprasidone appears most likely to prolong the QTc interval.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients in need of psychotropic medications display few risk factors for QTc prolongation and should be considered to be at low risk for TdP. The frequency of cardiac monitoring for patients receiving psychiatric medications should be individually determined, based on the prescribed agent(s) and additional risk factors for TdP.

A pilot randomized controlled trial of a depression and disease management program delivered by phone

BACKGROUND

Depression in medically ill patients occurs at twice the rate found in the general population. Though pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions for depression are effective, response to treatment and access to care are barriers for this population. A multidimensional telehealth intervention was designed to focus on these barriers by delivering a phone based intervention that addressed managing one's illness and coping emotionally.

METHODS

Veterans with diabetes, hypertension, or chronic pain and depressive symptoms were randomized to one of three conditions: Usual Care (n=23), Illness Management Only (n=31), or Combined Psychotherapy and Illness Management (n=29). Those randomized to the Combined or Illness Management Only intervention group received 10 phone visits. Veterans in the Combined group received all aspects of the illness management program plus a manualized depression intervention. Subjects completed assessments at baseline, week 5, and 10 to test the main hypothesis that veterans in the Combined condition would have a greater decline in depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

The Combined intervention yielded a significant decline in depressive symptoms when compared with Usual Care. However, the there was no significant difference between the Combined and Illness Management Only groups.

LIMITATIONS

This is a pilot study with a small sample size relative to a standard randomized controlled trial in psychotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This telephone-based intervention succeeded in reducing depressive symptoms in veterans with chronic illness. It adds to the building evidence base for providing phone-delivered mental health services.

Design and baseline data from the Management of Sadness and Anxiety in Cardiology (MOSAIC) randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Depression and anxiety in cardiac patients are independently associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including mortality. Collaborative care (CC) programs, which use care managers to assess patients, coordinate care, and perform therapeutic interventions, have proven effective in managing depression in this population. However, no prior CC intervention has simultaneously managed depression and anxiety disorders, and there has been minimal study of CC in high-risk cardiac inpatients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Management of Sadness and Anxiety in Cardiology (MOSAIC) study was a prospective randomized trial of a low-intensity CC intervention, compared to enhanced usual care, for patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, or arrhythmia, and diagnosed with depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or panic disorder (PD). The primary outcome measure for MOSAIC was mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL), measured using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-12. Additional outcomes included psychological, functional, and medical outcomes, including rehospitalizations.

RESULTS

A total of 183 eligible participants were enrolled (92 collaborative care, 91 enhanced usual care); 94% of depressed patients reported being depressed for >1month, and 53% of those with GAD reported clinically significant anxiety for >1year. One hundred thirty-three patients had depression, 118 had GAD, and 19 had PD; 74 participants (40%) had two or more of the disorders.

CONCLUSION

The MOSAIC trial will provide data regarding whether an intervention that concurrently manages these common psychiatric disorders results in meaningful improvements in HRQoL, psychiatric symptoms, and medical outcomes in cardiac patients at high risk for adverse outcomes.

Rationale and design of the Chronic Kidney Disease Antidepressant Sertraline Trial (CAST)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects one in five patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and is an independent risk factor for hospitalization and death before and after dialysis initiation. However, it remains an under-recognized and under-treated problem, in part due to the lack of well-controlled studies that support or refute the efficacy and safety of antidepressant medications in CKD patients. Major trials of antidepressant treatment excluded patients with stages 3-5 CKD, precisely those at higher risk for both depression and increased mortality. The Chronic Kidney Disease Antidepressant Sertraline Trial (CAST) is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It will enroll 200 adults with stages 3-5 CKD and MDD excluding kidney transplant and chronic dialysis patients. Sertraline will be administered at an initial dose of 50mg once daily or matching placebo followed by a dose escalation strategy consisting of 50mg increments at 2week intervals (as tolerated) to a maximum dose of 200mg. The primary outcome is improvement in depression symptom severity measured by the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology scale. Secondary outcomes include safety endpoints and improvement in quality of life. Changes in cognitive function, adherence to medications, nutritional status, inflammation, and platelet function will be explored as potential mechanisms by which depression may mediate poor outcomes. We discuss the rationale and design of the CAST study, the largest placebo-controlled trial aimed to establish safety and efficacy of a SSRI in the acute phase treatment of CKD patients with MDD.

Health status and depression remission in patients with chronic heart failure: patient-reported outcomes from the SADHART-CHF trial

BACKGROUND

Depression is a common comorbidity in heart failure and is strongly associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and reduced health status. Whether depression treatment may result in improvement of health status in heart failure patients with comorbid depression remains unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Sertraline Against Depression and Heart Disease in Chronic Heart Failure study randomized 469 participants with chronic heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction 45% and New York Heart Association class II) and major depressive disorder based on Diagnostic Statistics Manual fourth edition criteria to sertraline or placebo for 12 weeks. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and 6-minute walk test were used to assess health status. Health status changes between treatment arms and remission status were evaluated adjusting for baseline variables and treatment assignment. The final Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores were 3.50±2.08 and 12.97±4.33 in the remission and nonremission groups, respectively (P value=0.0001). Of 469 total participants, 378 (80.6%) completed the 6-minute walk test and 285 (70.1%) completed Kansas city cardiomyopathy questionnaire and 36-item short-form health survey, at baseline and at week 12. Depression remission was significantly associated with higher improvements in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire subscale scores (P<0.001) except on the Self-Efficacy (P=0.18) and Symptom Stability (P=0.91). On the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, depression remission was associated with significant improvement in subscales of the physical and mental component summary except the Pain Index (P=0.34). The 6-minute walk test improved more in depression remission compared with nonremission group (difference from baseline: 63.51±238.78 versus 16.24±115.70 m, P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with heart failure whose depressive symptoms remitted had significantly greater improvement in physical function, social function, and quality of life.

Mind and heart: heart rate variability in major depressive disorder and coronary heart disease - a review and recommendations

OBJECTIVE

There is a reciprocal association between major depressive disorder (MDD) and coronary heart disease (CHD). These conditions are linked by a causal network of mechanisms. This causal network should be quantitatively studied and it is hypothesised that the investigation of vagal function represents a promising starting point. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been used to investigate cardiac vagal control in the context of MDD and CHD. This review aims to examine the relationship of HRV to both MDD and CHD in the context of vagal function and to make recommendations for clinical practice and research.

METHODS

The search terms 'heart rate variability', 'depression' and 'heart disease' were entered into an electronic multiple database search engine. Abstracts were screened for their relevance and articles were individually selected and collated.

RESULTS

Decreased HRV is found in both MDD and CHD. Both diseases are theorized to disrupt autonomic control feedback loops on the heart and are linked to vagal function. Existing theories link vagal function to both mood and emotion as well as cardiac function. However, several factors can potentially confound HRV measures and would thus impact on a complete understanding of vagal mechanisms in the link between MDD and CHD.

CONCLUSIONS

The quantitative investigation of vagal function using HRV represents a reasonable starting point in the study of the relationship between MDD and CHD. Many psychotropic and cardiac medications have effects on HRV, which may have clinical importance. Future studies of HRV in MDD and CHD should consider antidepressant medication, as well as anxiety, as potential confounders.

Management of comorbid conditions in heart failure: a review

Multiple comorbidities are common in patients in heart failure. Some of them could contribute to the underlying development of heart failure, whereas others may lead to disease progression and may be associated with poor prognosis. It is not only important to diagnose those comorbid conditions early, but also vital to treat those conditions appropriately, which may have a huge impact on the primary disease itself. The common conditions are discussed in this review, but there are multiple other comorbidities beyond the scope of this article. The physician should try treating "patients as a whole" instead of treating the specific disease, and this approach may require multidisciplinary care.

From heart to brain: the genesis and processing of cardiac pain

Angina pectoris is important because of its association with heart disease and risk of death. Historically after Heberden's account of angina in 1772, the association of pain with coronary artery disease quickly followed. Within a few years, Burns suggested an etiological role for ischemia. Subsequently, theories of differential myocardial stretch dominated thinking until Lewis' chemical hypothesis in 1932, in which the local release of chemical substances during ischemia was seen as the cause of pain. This review considers how ischemia at the tissue level triggers activation of afferent nociceptive pain fibres. The afferent projections of sympathetic and vagal afferent fibres are described, with a number of methodologies cited (eg, injection of pseudorabies virus into the heart with mapping of the retrograde viral transport pathways; and elevation of neuronal c-fos synthesis in brain regions activated by capsaicin application to the heart). Our own functional neuroimaging studies of angina are also reviewed. There are 2 intriguing features of angina. The first is the poor correlation between symptoms and extent of coronary disease. The spectrum ranges from entirely silent myocardial ischemia to that of a functional pain syndrome--the 'sensitive heart'--of cardiac syndrome X. An even more difficult aspect is the wide variability in symptoms experienced by an individual patient. A new paradigm is presented which, besides considering myocardial oxygen supply/demand imbalance, also draws insights from the broader field of pain research. Neuromodulation applies at multiple levels of the neuraxis--peripheral nerves, spinal cord, and brain--and it invites exploitation, whether pharmacological or electrical, for the benefit of the cardiac patient in pain.

Association of depression and survival in patients with chronic heart failure over 12 Years

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between depression and survival in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) over a 12-year follow-up period.

BACKGROUND

The survival associated with depression has been demonstrated in HF patients for up to 7 years. Longer-term impact of depression on survival of these patients remains unknown.

METHODS

Prospectively conducted observational study examining adults with HF who were admitted to a cardiology service at Duke University Medical Center between March 1997 and June 2003 and completed the Beck depression inventory (BDI) scale. The national death index was queried for vital status. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to determine the association of survival and depression.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 1792.33 ± 1372.82 days (median 1600; range 0-4683), 733 of 985 participants with HF died of all causes, representing 80% of those with depression (BDI > 10) and 73% of those without (P = 0.01). Depression was significantly and persistently associated with decreased survival over follow-up (hazard ratio [HR] 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-1.57), and was independent of conventional risk factors (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.16-1.68). Furthermore, survival was inversely associated with depression severity (BDI (continuous) HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.006-1.025, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of co-morbid depression during the index hospitalization on significantly increased mortality of HF patients is strong and persists over 12 years. These findings suggest that more investigation is needed to understand the trajectory of depression and the mechanisms underlying the impact of depression as well as to identify effective management strategies for depression of patients with HF.

Plasma omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and survival in patients with chronic heart failure and major depressive disorder

The omega-3 fatty acid (FA) concentration is low in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Supplement of omega-3 FA improves cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CHD and heart failure (HF). However, plasma omega-3 FA and its role for prognosis in HF patients have not been examined previously. In this study, we explore the prognostic value of omega-3 polyunsaturated FA in HF patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Plasma was obtained from HF patients with MDD who participated in the Sertraline Against Depression and Heart Disease in Chronic Heart Failure trial. FA methyl esters were analyzed by the method of a flame ionization detector. Weight percent is the unit of the omega compounds. The primary outcome was survival which was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression modeling. A total of 109 depressed HF patients had adequate volume for completion of the FA assays. Plasma total omega-3 (hazard ratio [HR] 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43-0.98) and EPA_(0.1 unit) (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56-0.96) were significantly associated with survival of patients with HF and co-morbid MDD. The results suggest that low plasma omega-3 FA is a significant factor for reduced survival in HF patients with MDD.

Trajectory classes of depression in a randomized depression trial of heart failure patients: a reanalysis of the SADHART-CHF trial

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article was to determine whether, in drug intervention trials, growth mixture modeling (GMM) is able to identify drug-responsive trajectory classes that are not evident in traditional growth modeling approaches.

METHODS

We reanalyzed acute phase (biweekly data up to 7 occasions) and longitudinal (12 months) data on the 469 patients in the SADHART-CHF study of the safety and efficacy of sertraline for depression in patients with heart failure. GMM was used to identify the trajectory classes present in the treatment and placebo groups, based on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores.

RESULTS

Two distinct trajectory classes were identified in the treatment group: (1) chronic depressives (12%), who remained depressed through the treatment phase; and (2) responders (88%), who had scores indicating nondepression at the conclusion of the acute phase. At baseline, chronic depressives were distinguished by higher Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores, the presence of implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and a history of anxiety. During follow-up, they were more likely to have unstable angina. Only responders remitted (70%). Three distinct trajectories were identified in the placebo group: (1) moderating depressives (19%), (2) temporary improvers (13%), and (3) responders (68%). At baseline, the classes differed in mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores, responders' scores falling between the other 2 classes, and the proportion with renal disease. Only remission differed at follow-up: responders (76%), moderating depressives (21%), and temporary improvers (3%). Where the traditional analytic approach found improvement from moderate to mild depression but no significant treatment effect, GMM found response in 20% more people in the treatment group than in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike conventionally used, standard analytic approaches, which focus on intervention impact at study end or change from baseline to study end, GMM enables maximum use of repeated data to identify unique trajectories of latent classes that are responsive to the intervention.

Depression in heart failure: biobehavioral mechanisms

The etiology, predictive value, and biobehavioral aspects of depression in heart failure (HF) are described in this article. Clinically elevated levels of depressive symptoms are present in approximately 1 out of 5 patients with HF. Depression is associated with poor quality of life and a greater than 2-fold risk of clinical HF progression and mortality. The biobehavioral mechanisms accounting for these adverse outcomes include biological processes (elevated neurohormones, autonomic nervous system dysregulation, and inflammation) and adverse health behaviors (physical inactivity, medication nonadherence, poor dietary control, and smoking). Depression often remains undetected because of its partial overlap with HF-related symptoms and lack of systematic screening. Behavioral and pharmacologic antidepressive interventions commonly result in statistically significant but clinically modest improvements in depression and quality of life in HF, but not consistently better clinical HF or cardiovascular disease outcomes. Documentation of the biobehavioral pathways by which depression affects HF progression will be important to identify potential targets for novel integrative behavioral and pharmacologic interventions.

Evaluation and treatment of depression in patients with heart failure

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of relevant clinical issues including pathophysiology, clinical presentation, assessment/diagnosis, and treatment strategies regarding depression in the heart failure (HF) patient. This information was synthesized to create a clinical protocol to guide the practitioner in identifying, diagnosing, and treating depression in adult HF patients. This protocol was designed for use in the primary care or HF clinic setting.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and CINAHL were utilized to search for articles pertaining to HF and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of depression in HF is associated with a worsening prognosis, increased risk of death, rehospitalization, and functional decline. The practitioner must identify predisposing factors for depression and evaluate symptoms. Self-rated screening instruments can assist the practitioner in identifying those with depression. Evidence is lacking regarding the treatment of depression in HF but selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are likely the best option.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Understanding depression as it occurs in patients with HF is critical. If depression is identified and properly managed it may lead to better patient outcomes.

Worsening depressive symptoms are associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of changes in symptoms of depression over a 1-year period on subsequent clinical outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients.

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence shows that clinical depression, which is prevalent among patients with HF, is associated with a poor prognosis. However, it is uncertain how changes in depression symptoms over time may relate to clinical outcomes.

METHODS

One-hundred forty-seven HF outpatients with ejection fraction of less than 40% were assessed for depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at baseline and again 1 year later. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, controlling for established risk factors, were used to evaluate how changes in depressive symptoms were related to a combined primary end point of death or cardiovascular hospitalization over a median follow-up period of 5 years (with a range of 4 to 7 years and no losses to follow-up).

RESULTS

The 1-year change in symptoms of depression, as indicated by higher BDI scores over a 1-year interval (1-point BDI change hazard ratio [HR]: 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 to 1.12, p = 0.007), was associated with death or cardiovascular hospitalization after controlling for baseline depression (baseline BDI HR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.14, p < 0.001) and established risk factors, including HF cause, age, ejection fraction, plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level, and prior hospitalizations.

CONCLUSIONS

Worsening symptoms of depression are associated with a poorer prognosis in HF patients. Routine assessment of symptoms of depression in HF patients may help to guide appropriate medical management of these patients who are at increased risk for adverse clinical outcomes.

Characteristics of depression remission and its relation with cardiovascular outcome among patients with chronic heart failure (from the SADHART-CHF Study)

Depression is prevalent in patients with heart failure and is associated with a significant increase in hospitalizations and death. Primary results of the Sertraline Against Depression and Heart Disease in Chronic Heart Failure (SADHART-CHF) trial revealed that sertraline and placebo had comparable effects on depression and cardiovascular outcomes. In this study, we explored whether remission from depression was associated with better survival and aimed to characterize participants who remitted during the trial. Based on depression response during the 12-week treatment phase, SADHART-CHF participants were divided into 2 groups: (1) remission, defined as participants whose last measured Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score was <8, and (2) nonremission, defined as participants whose last measured HDRS score was ≥8. Patients who dropped out before having any repeat HDRS were not included. Baseline characteristics and survival differences up to 5 years were evaluated between the remission and nonremission groups. Of the 469 SADHART-CHF participants, 208 (44.3%) achieved remission, 194 (41.4%) remained depressed, and 67 (14.3%) dropped out or died without any repeat HDRS assessment. Patients in the remission group had significantly fewer cardiovascular events than those in the nonremission group (1.34 ± 1.86 vs 1.93 ± 2.71, adjusted p = 0.01). Men patients were more likely to remit than women patients (56.5 vs 44.8%, p = 0.02). The remission group had milder depressive symptoms at baseline compared to the nonremission group (HDRS 17.0 ± 5.4 vs 19.6 ± 5.5, Beck Depression Inventory scale 17.9 ± 6.5 vs 20.3 ± 7.2, p <0.001 for the 2 comparisons). In conclusion, this study indicates that remission from depression may improve the cardiovascular outcome of patients with heart failure.

Impact of exercise training and depression on survival in heart failure due to coronary heart disease

Depression is prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with increased mortality. In patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) without HF, exercise training (ET) can effectively decrease depressive symptoms resulting in improved survival. We evaluated 189 patients with American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association stage C HF due to CHD (mean left ventricular ejection fraction 35 ± 10%) enrolled in a structured ET program from January 2000 to December 2008, including a group of 151 who completed the program and 38 patients with HF who dropped out of rehabilitation without ET. Depressive symptoms were assessed by standard questionnaire at baseline and after ET, and mortality was determined at a mean follow-up of 4.6 ± 2.6 years. Prevalence of depressive symptoms decreased by 40% after ET, from 22% to 13% (p <0.0001). Patients initially classified as depressed who remained depressed after ET had nearly a fourfold higher mortality than patients whose depression resolved after ET (43% vs 11%, p = 0.005). Depressed patients who completed ET had a 59% lower mortality (44% vs 18%, p <0.05) compared to depressed dropout subjects not undergoing ET. Survival benefits after ET were concentrated to those patients with depression who improved exercise capacity. In conclusion, depressive symptoms are prevalent in patients with HF and are associated with increased mortality. Structured ET is effective in decreasing depressive symptoms, a factor that correlates with improved long-term survival.