Effect of depression on five-year mortality after an acute coronary syndrome

Women-Focused Cardiovascular Rehabilitation: An International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Clinical Practice Guideline

Women-focused cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR; phase II) aims to better engage women, and might result in better quality of life than traditional programs. This first clinical practice guideline by the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR) provides guidance on how to deliver women-focused programming. The writing panel comprised experts with diverse geographic representation, including multidisciplinary health care providers, a policy-maker, and patient partners. The guideline was developed in accordance with Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II and the Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in HealTh care (RIGHT). Initial recommendations were on the basis of a meta-analysis. These were circulated to a Delphi panel (comprised of corresponding authors from review articles and of programs delivering women-focused CR identified through ICCPR's audit; N = 76), who were asked to rate each on a 7-point Likert scale in terms of impact and implementability (higher scores positive). A Web call was convened to achieve consensus; 15 panelists confirmed strength of revised recommendations (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation [GRADE]). The draft underwent external review from CR societies internationally and was posted for public comment. The 14 drafted recommendations related to referral (systematic, encouragement), setting (model choice, privacy, staffing), and delivery (exercise mode, psychosocial, education, self-management empowerment). Nineteen (25.0%) survey responses were received. For all but 1 recommendation, ≥ 75% voted to include; implementability ratings were < 5/7 for 4 recommendations, but only 1 for effect. Ultimately 1 recommendation was excluded, 1 separated into 2 and all revised (2 substantively); 1 recommendation was added. Overall, certainty of evidence for the final recommendations was low to moderate, and strength mostly strong. These recommendations and associated tools can support all programs to feasibly offer some women-focused programming.

Acute coronary syndrome-associated depression: Getting to the heart of the data

OBJECTIVES

We sought to identify and consider methodological issues that may have limited or confounded investigations into links between depression and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) events.

METHODS

We reviewed salient research studies to identify such issues.

RESULTS

Against previous conclusions, we found that lifetime depression is unlikely to have any primary ACS impact, while we clarify that 'incident depression' (depression commencing at variable periods around the time of the ACS event) appears to confer a greater risk than non-incident depression. As the time periods of incident depressions are likely to have quite differing causes, evaluating any consolidated risk period appears unwise. It remains unclear whether it is 'depression' that provides the risk for ACS events or a higher order factor. Variable use of depression measures and failure to evaluate depressive sub-types have further limited clarification. The response by ACS patients to antidepressant medication appears limited, and it remains to be determined whether exposure to an antidepressant might be a contributing factor. Finally, studies may have focused on an excessively refined association, and neglected to recognise that depression is associated with a wide range of vascular events, suggesting that a broader conceptual model may be required.

LIMITATIONS

The authors have considered only a limited set of studies in preparing this review, with the critique relying at times on subjective interpretation.

CONCLUSIONS

After decades of research pursuing links between depression and ACS events explanatory links remain obscure, presumably reflecting a range of methodological issues that we have discussed in this paper .

Risk Factors for Post-Acute Coronary Syndrome Depression: A Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

BACKGROUND

The incidence of depression is very common among patients with post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and leads to adverse outcomes.

AIMS

The aim of this meta-analysis was to detect risk factors for depression among patients with ACS and to provide clinical evidence for its prevention.

METHODS

The authors followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline to search the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and EBSCO databases from January 1996 to March 2018. Data that met the inclusion criteria were extracted to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk factors of post-ACS depression.

RESULTS

A total of 30 articles met the inclusion criteria, and 25 risk factors were found to be associated with depression. The top 5 risk factors are as follows: antidepression treatment (OR, 4.25; 95% CI, 3.41-5.31), housewife status (OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 1.83-9.53), history of depressive disorders (OR, 3.52; 95% CI, 2.69-4.61), widow status (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.05-5.21), and history of congestive heart failure (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.04-3.97). The authors also found that a married status, high education level, and employment are protective factors.

CONCLUSION

Clinical personnel should be alerted with regard to the high risk factors of depression, including female gender, low education level, unmarried status, living alone, unemployed status, unhealthy lifestyle, and complications such as cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic diseases. In particular, staff should pay attention to a history of previous depression, be concerned with the psychological condition of the patient, and monitor and perform early interventions to reduce the incidence of depression.

Exercise Counteracts the Cardiotoxicity of Psychosocial Stress

Physical inactivity and psychosocial stress are prevalent in residents of the United States. The purpose of this article is to review the interaction between these 2 conditions and examine the effects of exercise on stress and cardiovascular (CV) health. A query of scientific references between 1974 to 2018 was performed using the PubMed search engine accessing the MEDLINE database using the search terms psychosocial stress, CV disease (CVD), physical activity, exercise, cardiac rehabilitation, and team sports. Psychosocial stress is a strong independent risk factor for adverse CV events. Conversely, people who experience CV events subsequently have drastically elevated rates of new-onset mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. Psychosocial stress and CVD often trigger self-reinforcing feedback loops that can worsen mental health and cardiac prognosis. Exercise predictably improves CV health and prognosis and also is effective at lowering levels of psychosocial stress. Group exercise in particular seems to provide social support while at the same time boosting fitness levels and, thus, may be the single most important intervention for patients with concomitant CVD and emotional stress. Collaborative physical activity, such as group exercise, team sports, interactive physical play, and cardiac rehabilitation programs, have the potential to improve mental health and CV prognosis.

Depression in Survivors of Acute Myocardial Infarction

INTRODUCTION

There was growing evidence of increased cardiovascular risk in patients with depressive disorders.

AIM

To determinate the percentage of depression of the three investigated groups of patients with myocardial infarction and to determinate the correlation between sociodemographic characteristic and level of depression in survivors of AMI.

METHODS

The study was designed as observation cross-section including 120 patients treated at the University Clinic of Cardiology Skopje during 2018-2019 year, observed as 3 groups: group 1 was presented with patients during hospitalization for AMI, group 2 were patients survivors after 3 months of the acute coronary event and group 3 patients survivors after 12 months of the acute coronary event, Depression status was assessed using BDI.

RESULTS

the three groups presented almost equal representation of depression according BDI (X²=1,182, df=2, p=0,913) presented with 34,1 %, 30,8% and 30% respectively. The three groups of patients did not show significant difference according distribution of gender smoking , physical activity, stress, diabetes mellitus, age, mean BDI, BMI, Systolic BP, age of education and marital status . Only group 3 presented significantly higher diastole BP comparing in group 1 and group 2 (F=9,532, df=2,p< 0,001). The depression (BDI score) in examination groups was associated with sociodemographic and clinical parameters where female gender, higher education level, decreased BMI, smoking, decreased physical activity, younger age and single status are independent predictors of depression in patients who survived acute myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in our study showed indicative representation of depression in patients survivors of AMI and significant association with sociodemographic and clinical parameters as predictors of depressive disorder. Regular screening for depression in patients survivors of AMI may improve the therapy decision, prognosis and the quality of patients' life.

Inflammation and its relevance to psychiatry

Depression is increasingly recognised as a major public health problem worldwide. The heterogeneity of this condition implies that there may be several neurobiological pathways to depression. This article attempts to explore a pathway that links depression with the inflammatory response. Associations linking inflammation and chronic immune activation with depression have been noted, particularly in the context of (a) medical disorders with inflammatory pathophysiology and (b) immunotherapy for cancer and hepatitis C. Acute coronary syndrome is given as an example of how the inflammatory process might result in depression, and potential mechanisms are discussed. These include: direct action of pro-inflammatory cytokines on the serotonin system, with specific reference to the serotonin transporter; action of cytokines on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis; and effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines on neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Reference is made to the potential anti-inflammatory effects of antidepressant drugs and antidepressant effects of anti-inflammatory treatments.

The experiences of myocardial infarction patients readmitted within six months of primary percutaneous coronary intervention

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore the experiences of patients readmitted due to potential ischaemic heart disease symptoms within six months of primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND

Following myocardial infarction and primary percutaneous coronary intervention, some patients experience potential ischaemic heart disease symptoms that may lead to readmission. Symptoms may be related to cardiac ischaemia, reduced psychological health or a comorbid condition.

DESIGN

A qualitative study involving semistructured, in-depth interviews conducted once, mean 196 (50-384) days following readmission (at least six months following original ST-elevation myocardial infarction and primary percutaneous coronary intervention). This is the qualitative part of a mixed methods study.

METHODS

Participants were purposefully selected, and concurrent sampling, data collection and data analysis were performed. Data were organised using framework analysis; constant comparative analysis involving deduction and induction led to identification of cogent themes and subthemes.

RESULTS

Twenty-five participants (14 men, 27-79 years) experienced 1-4 readmissions; discharge diagnoses were cardiac, psychological, indeterminate, pulmonary and gastric. Three main themes emerged: (1) anxiety, uncertainty and inability to determine cause of symptoms, (2) fear of experiencing further myocardial infarction and (3) insufficient opportunity to validate self-construction of illness.

CONCLUSION

Fear of dying or experiencing a further myocardial infarction led to patients seeking help at the time of potential ischaemic heart disease symptoms. Participants were anxious and lacked understanding regarding symptom attribution at the time of readmission and generally following their heart attack. Additionally, original heart attack symptoms were used as a comparator for future symptoms. Participants reported feeling well immediately after primary percutaneous coronary intervention but later experiencing fatigue and debilitation often linked to potential ischaemic heart disease symptoms.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Increased education and information related to symptom attribution post-primary percutaneous coronary intervention and postreadmission are worthy of exploration and may lead to increased understanding and reassurance for this patient group.

Posttraumatic stress disorder after myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass grafting

Post traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric disease that is usually precipitated by life threatening stressors. Myocardial infarction, especially in the young can count as one such event. The development of post traumatic stress after a coronary event not only adversely effects psychiatric health, but leads to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There is increasing evidence that like major depression, post traumatic stress disorder is also a strong coronary risk factor. Early diagnosis and treatment of this disease in patients with acute manifestations of coronary artery disease can improve patient outcomes.

Clinical predictors of depression treatment outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease

OBJECTIVES

Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) who respond to treatment for depression are at lower risk of mortality than are nonresponders. This study sought to determine whether variables that have been shown to predict both depression treatment outcomes in psychiatric patients and cardiac events in patients with CHD, also predict poor response to depression treatment in patients with CHD.

METHODS

One hundred fifty-seven patients with stable CHD who met the DSM-IV criteria for a major depressive episode were treated with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for 16weeks, either alone or in combination with an antidepressant.

RESULTS

The mean Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) score was 30.2±8.5 at baseline and 8.5±7.8 at 16weeks. Over 50% of the participants were in remission (HAM-D-17 score ≤7) at the end of treatment. Of the hypothesized predictors, severe depression at baseline (p=0.02), stressful life events during the first (p=0.03) and last (p<0.0001) 8weeks of treatment, and the completion of CBT homework assignments (p=0.001) predicted depression outcomes. History of prior episodes, anxiety symptoms, antidepressant therapy at study enrollment, and medical hospitalizations or emergency department visits during treatment did not predict treatment outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who are under considerable stress do not respond as well to evidence-based treatments for depression as do patients with less stress. If future studies support these findings, more work will be needed to better address stressful life events in patients who may otherwise remain at high risk for mortality and medical morbidity following depression treatment.

Acute coronary syndrome-associated depression: the salience of a sickness response analogy?

Depression emerging in conjunction with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is thought to constitute a distinct high-risk phenotype with inflammatory determinants. This review critically examines the notion put forward in the literature that ACS-associated depression constitutes a meaningful subtype that is qualitatively different from depressive syndromes observed in psychiatric patients; and evaluates the salience of an analogy to the acute sickness response to infection or injury as an explanatory model. Specific features differentiating ACS-associated depression from other phenotypes are discussed, including differences in depression symptom profiles, timing of the depressive episode in relation to ACS, severity of the cardiac event, and associated immune activation. While an acute sickness response analogy offers a plausible conceptual framework, concrete evidence is lacking for inflammatory activity as the triggering mechanism. It is likely that ACS-associated depression encompasses several causative scenarios.

Neighborhood matters: the impact of Hispanic ethnic density on future depressive symptoms 1-year following an ACS event among Hispanic patients

The Ethnic Density hypothesis posits that living around others from similar ethnic backgrounds reduces the risk of adverse mental health outcomes such as depression. Contrary to this hypothesis, previous work has shown that Hispanic ethnic density is cross-sectionally associated with increased depressive symptom severity among patients hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS; myocardial infarction or unstable angina pectoris). To date, no study has examined the prospective association of Hispanic ethnic density on long-term depressive symptom severity following an acute medical event. We prospectively assessed the impact of Hispanic ethnic density on depressive symptoms, 1-year following an ACS event, among Hispanic adult patients. We tested the non-linear association between ethnic density and depressive symptoms to account for inconsistent findings on the ethnic density hypothesis. At the time of an index ACS event (i.e., baseline, N = 326) and 1-year later (N = 252), Hispanic patients from the Prescription Usage, Lifestyle, and Stress Evaluation prospective cohort study completed the Beck Depression Inventory as a measure of depressive symptom severity. Hispanic ethnic density was defined by the percentage of Hispanic residents within each patient's census tract using data extracted from the American Community Survey Census (2010-2013). Covariates included baseline demographic factors (age, gender, English fluency, education, nativity status), cardiovascular factors (Charlson comorbidity index, left ventricular ejection fraction, Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events 6-month prognostic risk score), and neighborhood factors (residential density, income, and percentage of households receiving public assistance). In an adjusted multivariable linear regression analysis there was a significant curvilinear association between Hispanic ethnic density and depressive symptom severity at 1 year. As Hispanic ethnic density increased from low to moderate density, there was an increase in depressive symptoms, but depressive symptoms slightly declined in census tracts with the highest density of Hispanics. Furthermore, gender significantly moderated the relation between Hispanic ethnic density and 1-year depressive symptom severity, such that Hispanic ethnic density was significantly associated with increased depressive symptom severity for female Hispanic patients with ACS, but not for male Hispanic patients. Previous research suggests that ethnic density may be protective against depression in Hispanic enclaves; however, our findings suggest a non-linear ethnic density effect and an overall more complex association between ethnic density and depression. These data add to a growing body of literature on the effects of sociodemographic and contextual factors on health.

[Depression comorbid to ischemic heart disease: a psychometric and molecular-genetic study]

OBJECTIVE

To compare psychometric and molecular-genetic characteristics of depression caused by ischemic heart disease (IHD) and depression in patients with IHD caused by other psychogenic factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and thirty-five patients with depression comorbid to ischemic heart disease (IHD) were examined. Depression was associated with IHD in 71 patients (group 1). In 64 patients, depression was caused by other psychogenic factors (group 2). The HAMD-21 scale was used to measure depressive symptoms.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The comparative analysis of the core symptoms of depression demonstrated that group 1 had a peculiar psychometric profile with marked apathy, which was not accompanied by marked hypothymia, guilt feelings or anxiety, compared to group 2. The molecular-genetic correlate of this profile was found. It included a combination of an allele S (5-HTTLPR) of the serotonin transporter gene, an allele G (A-1438G) of the serotonin receptor type 2A gene and the genotype ValVal (Val66Met) of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene.

Components of depression and 6-year mortality after an acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Post-myocardial infarct depression includes both somatic depressive symptoms and nonsomatic cognitive symptoms. Their respective relationships to long-term survival are unclear.

METHODS

Depression was diagnosed by measuring the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) on consecutive patients who presented with acute coronary syndrome in 2005. Six-year mortality data were extracted from the National Health Index. This study investigated whether mortality was related to the somatic or cognitive elements of the BDI-II score, controlling for baseline characteristics including the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events score. The BDI-II, somatic, and cognitive scores were treated as continuous variables.

RESULTS

Of the 277 patients, 52 died over 6 years. Higher BDI-II score did not predict mortality at 6 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98-1.06). In the Cognitive/Affective-Somatic model, somatic depressive symptoms (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.20) predicted all-cause mortality, but cognitive/affective depressive symptoms (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.96-1.08) did not. This association attenuated after controlling for age and sex (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.99-1.22), and age, sex, and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events score (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.99-1.21). Results from the Somatic/Affective-Cognitive model did not reach statistical significance. Differences were small and unlikely to be of clinical importance.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with acute coronary syndrome, those who died had a higher baseline BDI-II score, particularly somatic score, although this did not reach statistical significance.

Inpatient and outpatient costs in patients with coronary artery disease and mental disorders: a systematic review

Background

To systematically review in- and outpatient costs in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and comorbid mental disorders.

Methods

A comprehensive database search was conducted for studies investigating persons with CAD and comorbid mental disorders (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Psyndex, EconLit, IBSS). All studies were included which allowed a comparison of in- and outpatient health care costs (assessed either monetarily or in terms of health care utilization) of CAD patients with comorbid mental disorders (mood, anxiety, alcohol, eating, somatoform and personality disorders) and those without. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted and results reported using forest plots.

Results

The literature search resulted in 7,275 potentially relevant studies, of which 52 met inclusion criteria. Hospital readmission rates were increased in CAD patients with any mental disorder (pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.34 [0.17;0.51]). Results for depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder pointed in the same direction with heterogeneous SMDs on a primary study level ranging from −0.44 to 1.26. Length of hospital stay was not increased in anxiety and any mental disorder, while studies on depression reported heterogeneous SMDs ranging from −0.08 to 0.82. Most studies reported increased overall and outpatient costs for patients with comorbid mental disorders. Results for invasive procedures were non-significant respectively inconclusive.

Conclusions

Comorbid mental disorders in CAD patients are associated with an increased healthcare utilization in terms of higher hospital readmission rates and increased overall and outpatient health care costs. From a health care point of view, it is requisite to improve the diagnosis and treatment of comorbid mental disorders in patients with CAD to minimize incremental costs.

Depression and anxiety symptoms as predictors of mortality in PCI patients at 10 years of follow-up

BACKGROUND

Depression has been shown to be an independent risk factor for short-term mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). There are studies suggesting that depression might also be associated with long-term mortality. Anxiety has also been associated with mortality. This study aimed to further investigate the predictive value of depression and anxiety symptoms on all-cause mortality, 10 years after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

The study population comprised a consecutive series of CAD patients (n = 1411) treated with PCI between September 2001 and October 2002 at the Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was completed by 1112 patients at baseline to assess levels of depression and anxiety. The endpoint was defined as all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 24.8% and 27.7%, respectively. The cumulative all-cause mortality rate in depressed patients was 37% versus 20% in non-depressed patients (log-rank p < 0.001). After adjustment, depression remained a predictor of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 1.77; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36-2.29). Cumulative survival rates did not differ for anxious versus non-anxious patients (log-rank p = .79). However, after adjustment, anxiety was associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality (HR 1.50; 95% CI 1.14-1.98). A sub-analysis showed that cumulative survival rates did not differ for depressed and anxious patients versus depressed but non-anxious patients (log-rank p = 0.46).

CONCLUSIONS

Depression is associated with an increased risk of 77% for all-cause mortality, 10 years post-PCI, independently of anxiety. Although anxiety was associated with all-cause mortality, it has no additional value in the case of co-occurring depression.

Is there any difference between the early age myocardial infarction and late age myocardial infarction in terms of psychiatric morbidity in patients who have survived acute myocardial infarction?

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the rates of psychiatric morbidity in patients who had early age and late age MI in patients who have survived acute myocardial infarction?

METHODS

One hundred sixteen patients who were hospitalized in the coronary care unit were included in the study. Psychiatric assessment of the patients was carried out within 1-6months post-MI. Psychiatric interviews were conducted with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I). Also used were the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI).

RESULTS

A total of 116 patients were divided into two groups according to age as an early age myocardial infarction group (EA-MI) and a late age myocardial infarction group (LA-MI). The EA-MI group included 24 patients 45years of age and under. The LA-MI group included 92 patients over 45years of age. Current psychiatric disorders, lifetime psychiatric disorders and lifetime depressive disorders were significantly more frequent in the EA-MI group than in the LA-MI group.

CONCLUSION

EA-MI patients have experienced a depressive episode prior to the onset of the MI, whereas in the LA-MI group, the patients typically experienced depressive episodes after MI. Our findings suggest that depression may increase the risk of MI at an early age.

Using a single screening question for depressive symptoms in patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Despite the prevalence of depressive symptoms and increased risk for future cardiovascular events, depressive symptoms frequently go underrecognized in patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Identifying an effective approach to depressive symptom screening is imperative in this population.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore the agreement between Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores and a single screening question for depressive symptoms in 1122 patients hospitalized for ACS.

METHODS

Independent-samples t tests and χ tests were used to compare the groups with BDI-II scores of 14 or higher and lower than 14. Three separate agreement analyses were conducted using categorized BDI-II scores (≥14, ≥20, and ≥29). Agreement of the BDI-II categories with the responses to the single screening question was assessed with the simple κ statistic. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using the BDI-II categories as the criterion standards for depressive symptom screening.

RESULTS

The agreement analysis revealed a moderate level of agreement (κ coefficient = 0.42) between the BDI-II scores of 14 or higher and the single screening question. Of the participants who reported a BDI-II score of 14 or higher, 61.65% answered yes to the single screening question (sensitivity, 0.62). For those who had BDI-II scores of lower than 14, a total of 82% responded no to the single screening question (specificity, 0.82). When using higher BDI-II scores to define depressive symptoms (≥20 and ≥29), the level of agreement decreased, whereas sensitivity increased to 0.76 and 0.90, with a trade-off in specificity (0.79 and 0.74, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the single screening question for depressive symptoms correctly identifies depressive symptoms 62% of the time but inappropriately identifies depressive symptoms 18% of the time in patients hospitalized for ACS. This suggests that the single screening question for depressive symptoms may be used with caution to initially screen patients with ACS, who can then undergo a more thorough assessment for clinical depression.

Gender differences in illness behavior after cardiac surgery

PURPOSE

Differences in the ways male and female patients confront their illness after cardiac surgery may contribute to previously observed gender differences in the outcomes of cardiac rehabilitation. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to verify whether there are gender-related differences in illness behavior (IB) soon after cardiac surgery and before entering cardiac rehabilitation.

METHODS

Patients (N = 1323) completed the IB Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) 9 ± 5 (mean ± SD) days after cardiac surgery. The scores were tested for gender differences in score distributions (Mann-Whitney U test) and in prevalence of clinically relevant scores (the Pearson χ² test). Multivariate regression analyses were made with IB Questionnaire and HADS scores as independent variables, and gender, age, education, marital status, and type of surgery as predictors.

RESULTS

Denial was significantly (P < .01) prevalent among the men (3.6 ± 1.4) versus women (3.2 ± 1.6), whereas disease conviction (men = 2.1 ± 1.5, women = 2.5 ± 1.6), dysphoria (men = 1.5 ± 1.5, women = 2.0 ± 1.6), anxiety (men = 6.0 ± 3.6, women = 6.9 ± 3.9), and depression (men = 5.3 ± 3.8, women = 6.5 ± 4.0) were significantly more prevalent among women. The prevalences of clinically relevant scores for disease conviction, anxiety, and depression were also significantly higher in women. Multivariate analysis showed that gender predicted these scores even after the removal of confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Gender differences exist in denial, disease conviction, and dysphoria, probably depending on the culturally assigned roles of men and women. As these aspects of IB may compromise treatment compliance and the quality of life, the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation programs might be improved taking into account the different prevalences in men and women.

[Depression in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Application of the Beck Depression Inventory]

BACKGROUND

Depression has been related to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, and also appears to increase the risk of death from coronary artery disease. The presence of depression after the occurrence of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and its relationship with socioeconomic factors has not been studied in Colombia.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the frequency of depression and associated factors in patients hospitalized with an ACS.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out between April and May 2008 in three coronary care units in Santa Marta, Colombia. The presence of depression was evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Depression was considered to be present if BDI was equal or greater than 10. The relationship between the presence of depression and demographic, clinic and laboratory characteristics was analyzed.

RESULTS

A BDI score ≥10 (any degree of depression) was seen in 21 (63.64%) of the patients. In 9 out of 10 (91.66%) patients without stable income had depression in contrast to 12 out of 23 (57.14%) with stable income (P=.037). Depression was found in in 8 of the 8 (100%) patients with electrocardiographic pathological T wave inversion, in contrast to 13 out of the 25 (52%) without changes in T wave (P=.014). Depression was detected in 17 of 22 (77.27%) patients who smoked cigarettes versus 4 of 11 (36.36%) of patients who have never smoked (P=.021).

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms are significantly present in patients suffering an acute coronary syndrome. Unemployment, pathological T wave inversion, and smoking seem to be associated with the presence of depressive symptoms after an acute coronary event.

Depression as a risk factor for poor prognosis among patients with acute coronary syndrome: systematic review and recommendations: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

Although prospective studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses have documented an association between depression and increased morbidity and mortality in a variety of cardiac populations, depression has not yet achieved formal recognition as a risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome by the American Heart Association and other health organizations. The purpose of this scientific statement is to review available evidence and recommend whether depression should be elevated to the status of a risk factor for patients with acute coronary syndrome.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Writing group members were approved by the American Heart Association's Scientific Statement and Manuscript Oversight Committees. A systematic literature review on depression and adverse medical outcomes after acute coronary syndrome was conducted that included all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, and composite outcomes for mortality and nonfatal events. The review assessed the strength, consistency, independence, and generalizability of the published studies. A total of 53 individual studies (32 reported on associations with all-cause mortality, 12 on cardiac mortality, and 22 on composite outcomes) and 4 meta-analyses met inclusion criteria. There was heterogeneity across studies in terms of the demographic composition of study samples, definition and measurement of depression, length of follow-up, and covariates included in the multivariable models. Despite limitations in some individual studies, our review identified generally consistent associations between depression and adverse outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the heterogeneity of published studies included in this review, the preponderance of evidence supports the recommendation that the American Heart Association should elevate depression to the status of a risk factor for adverse medical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

The St. Louis African American health-heart study: methodology for the study of cardiovascular disease and depression in young-old African Americans

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Depression has complex bidirectional adverse associations with CAD, although the mechanisms mediating these relationships remain unclear. Compared to European Americans, African Americans (AAs) have higher rates of morbidity and mortality from CAD. Although depression is common in AAs, its role in the development and features of CAD in this group has not been well examined. This project hypothesizes that the relationships between depression and CAD can be explained by common physiological pathways and gene-environment interactions. Thus, the primary aims of this ongoing project are to: a) determine the prevalence of CAD and depression phenotypes in a population-based sample of community-dwelling older AAs; b) examine the relationships between CAD and depression phenotypes in this population; and c) evaluate genetic variants from serotoninP and inflammatory pathways to discover potential gene-depression interactions that contribute significantly to the presence of CAD in AAs.

Methods/design

The St. Louis African American Health (AAH) cohort is a population-based panel study of community-dwelling AAs born in 1936–1950 (inclusive) who have been followed from 2000/2001 through 2010. The AAH-Heart study group is a subset of AAH participants recruited in 2009–11 to examine the inter-relationships between depression and CAD in this population. State-of-the-art CAD phenotyping is based on cardiovascular characterizations (coronary artery calcium, carotid intima-media thickness, cardiac structure and function, and autonomic function). Depression phenotyping is based on standardized questionnaires and detailed interviews. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of selected genes in inflammatory and serotonin-signaling pathways are being examined to provide information for investigating potential gene-depression interactions as modifiers of CAD traits. Information from the parent AAH study is being used to provide population-based prevalence estimates. Inflammatory and other biomarkers provide information about potential pathways.

Discussion

This population-based investigation will provide valuable information on the prevalence of both depression and CAD phenotypes in this population. The study will examine interactions between depression and genetic variants as modulators of CAD, with the intent of detecting mechanistic pathways linking these diseases to identify potential therapeutic targets. Analytic results will be reported as they become available.

Inflammation and symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with acute coronary heart disease

Depression following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS, including myocardial infarction or unstable angina) is associated with recurrent cardiovascular events, but the depressive symptoms that are cardiotoxic appear to have particular characteristics: they are 'incident' rather than being a continuation of prior depression, and they are somatic rather than cognitive in nature. We tested the hypothesis that the magnitude of inflammatory responses during the ACS would predict somatic symptoms of depression 3 weeks and 6 months later, specifically in patients without a history of depressive illness. White cell count and C-reactive protein were measured on the day after admission in 216 ACS patients. ACS was associated with very high levels of inflammation, averaging 13.23×10(9)/l and 17.06 mg/l for white cell count and C-reactive protein respectively. White cell count during ACS predicted somatic symptom intensity on the Beck Depression Inventory 3 weeks later (β=0.122, 95% C.I. 0.015-0.230, p=0.025) independently of age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, marital status, smoking, cardiac arrest during admission and clinical cardiac risk, but only in patients without a history of depression. At 6 months, white cell count during ACS was associated with elevated anxiety on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale independently of covariates including anxiety measured at 3 weeks (adjusted odds ratio 1.08, 95% C.I. 1.01-1.15, p=0.022). An unpredicted relationship between white cell count during ACS and cognitive symptoms of depression at 6 months was also observed. The study provides some support for the hypothesis that the marked inflammation during ACS contributes to later depression in a subset of patients, but the evidence is not conclusive.

Depression as a risk factor for adverse outcomes in coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND

Depression is firmly established as an independent predictor of mortality and cardiac morbidity in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, it has been difficult to determine whether it is a causal risk factor, and whether treatment of depression can improve cardiac outcomes. In addition, research on biobehavioral mechanisms has not yet produced a definitive causal model of the relationship between depression and cardiac outcomes.

DISCUSSION

Key challenges in this line of research concern the measurement of depression, the definition and relevance of certain subtypes of depression, the temporal relationship between depression and CHD, underlying biobehavioral mechanisms, and depression treatment efficacy.

SUMMARY

This article examines some of the methodological challenges that will have to be overcome in order to determine whether depression should be regarded as a key target of secondary prevention in CHD.

Characteristics of psychological interventions that improve depression in people with coronary heart disease: a systematic review and meta-regression

OBJECTIVE

Despite previous intervention trials, it is unclear which psychological treatments are most effective for people with coronary heart disease (CHD). We have conducted a systematic review with meta-regression to identify the characteristics of psychological interventions that improve depression and depressive symptoms among people with CHD.

METHODS

Searches of multiple electronic databases up to March 2012 were conducted, supplemented by hand-searching of identified reviews and citation tracing of eligible studies. Studies were included if they reported a randomized controlled trial of a psychological intervention for people with CHD and included depression as an outcome. Data on main effects and characteristics of interventions were extracted from eligible studies. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for each study and pooled using random-effects models. Random-effects multivariate meta-regression was performed to identify treatment characteristics associated with improvements in depression.

RESULTS

Sixty-four independent treatment comparisons were identified. Psychological interventions improved depression, although the effect was small (SMD=0.18, p<.001). Problem solving (SMD=0.34), general education (SMD=0.19), skills training (SMD=0.25), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT; SMD=0.23), and relaxation (SMD=0.15) had small effects on CHD patients who were recruited irrespective of their depression status. Among high-quality trials of depressed CHD patients, only CBT showed significant but small effects (SMD=0.31). When entered into multivariable analysis, no individual treatment component significantly improved depression.

CONCLUSIONS

CBT and problem solving should be considered for inclusion in future treatment developments and randomized controlled trials. However, the effects are small in magnitude, and there is room to develop new interventions that may be more effective.

Depression is associated with longer emergency department length of stay in acute coronary syndrome patients

Background

Patient demographic characteristics have been associated with longer emergency department (ED) treatment times, but the influence of psychosocial characteristics has not been assessed. We evaluated whether depression was associated with greater ED length of stay (LOS) in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and unstable angina (UA) patients presenting to a large metropolitan academic medical center.

Methods

We calculated ED LOS for NSTEMI or UA patients enrolled an observational cohort study by taking the difference between ED triage time in the medical record and time of transfer to an inpatient bed from standardized transfer documentation forms. Depression status was defined as current, past, or never by clinical interview and also by self-report on the Beck Depression Inventory.

Results

Participants were 120 NSTEMI/UA patients [mean age= 62, 36% women, 56% Hispanic, 26% Black/African American, 40% NSTEMI, mean global registry of acute cardiac events (GRACE) score= 93.9]. Mean ED LOS was 11.6 hours, SD= 8.3. A multiple linear regression model that included the above demographic and clinical variables, and time of presentation to ED, explained 11% of the variance in ED LOS, F (11, 108)= 2.35, p= .01, R² adj.= .11. Currently depressed patients spent 5.4 more hours (95% CI= .40, 10.4 hours) in the ED on average than patients who had never been depressed.

Conclusions

Currently depressed NSTEMI/UA patients are in the ED for an average of 5 hours longer than those who have never been depressed. Further research is needed to identify the reasons for this difference.

The impact of premorbid and postmorbid depression onset on mortality and cardiac morbidity among patients with coronary heart disease: meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Depression is associated with increased cardiac morbidity and mortality in the general population and in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Recent evidence suggests that patients with new-onset depression post-CHD diagnosis have worse outcomes than do those who had previous or recurrent depression. This meta-analysis investigated the timing of depression onset in established CHD and CHD-free cohorts to determine what time frame is associated with greater mortality and cardiac morbidity.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases were searched systematically to identify articles examining a depression time frame that specified an end point of all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, rehospitalization, or major adverse cardiac events. A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate effect sizes by time frame of depression. Twenty-two prospective cohort studies were identified. Nine studies investigated premorbid depression in CHD-free cohorts in relation to cardiac death. Thirteen studies in patient samples with CHD examined new-onset depression in comparison with previous or recurrent depression. The pooled effect size (risk ratio) was 0.76 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.48-1.19) for history of depression only, 1.79 (95% CI = 1.45-2.21) for premorbid depression onset, 2.11 (95% CI = 1.66-2.68) for postmorbid or new depression onset, and 1.59 (95% CI = 1.08-2.34) for recurrent depression.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Both premorbid and postmorbid depression onsets are potentially hazardous, and the question of timing may be irrelevant with respect to adverse cardiac outcomes. However, the combination of premorbid depression with the absence of depression at the time of a cardiac event (i.e., historical depression only) is not associated with such outcomes and deserves further investigation.

Depression in patients with cardiovascular disease

It has been widely suggested that depression negatively affects patients with cardiovascular disease. There are several pathophysiological mechanisms as well as behavioral processes linking depression and cardiac events. Improvements in nursing and medical care have prolonged survival of this patient population; however, this beneficial outcome has led to increased prevalence of depression. Since mortality rates in chronic heart failure patients remain extremely high, it might be as equally important to screen for depression and there are several valid and reliable screening tools that healthcare personnel could easily employ to identify patients at greater risk. Consultation should be provided by a multidisciplinary team, consisting of cardiologists, psychiatrists, and hospital or community nurses so as to carefully plan, execute, and evaluate medical intervention and implement lifestyle changes. We aim to systematically review the existing knowledge regarding current definitions, prognostic implications, pathophysiological mechanisms, and current and future treatment options in patients with depression and cardiovascular disease, specifically those with heart failure.

Posttraumatic stress disorder prevalence and risk of recurrence in acute coronary syndrome patients: a meta-analytic review

BACKGROUND

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS; myocardial infarction or unstable angina) can induce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and ACS-induced PTSD may increase patients' risk for subsequent cardiac events and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of PTSD induced by ACS and to quantify the association between ACS-induced PTSD and adverse clinical outcomes using systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Articles were identified by searching Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus, and through manual search of reference lists.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Observational cohort studies that assessed PTSD with specific reference to an ACS event at least 1 month prior. We extracted estimates of the prevalence of ACS-induced PTSD and associations with clinical outcomes, as well as study characteristics. We identified 56 potentially relevant articles, 24 of which met our criteria (N = 2383). Meta-analysis yielded an aggregated prevalence estimate of 12% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9%-16%) for clinically significant symptoms of ACS-induced PTSD in a random effects model. Individual study prevalence estimates varied widely (0%-32%), with significant heterogeneity in estimates explained by the use of a screening instrument (prevalence estimate was 16% [95% CI, 13%-20%] in 16 studies) vs a clinical diagnostic interview (prevalence estimate was 4% [95% CI, 3%-5%] in 8 studies). The aggregated point estimate for the magnitude of the relationship between ACS-induced PTSD and clinical outcomes (ie, mortality and/or ACS recurrence) across the 3 studies that met our criteria (N = 609) suggested a doubling of risk (risk ratio, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.69-2.37) in ACS patients with clinically significant PTSD symptoms relative to patients without PTSD symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

This meta-analysis suggests that clinically significant PTSD symptoms induced by ACS are moderately prevalent and are associated with increased risk for recurrent cardiac events and mortality. Further tests of the association of ACS-induced PTSD and clinical outcomes are needed.

Depression is independently associated with 7-year mortality in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention: results from the RESEARCH registry

BACKGROUND

Depression has been associated with poor prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), but little is known about the impact of depression on long-term mortality. We examined whether depression was associated with 7-year mortality in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), after adjusting for socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, anxiety, and the distressed (Type D) personality.

METHODS

The sample comprised a cohort of consecutive PCI patients (N=1234; 72.0% men; mean age 62.0 ± 11.1 years, range [26-90] years) from the Rapamycin-Eluting Stent Evaluated At Rotterdam Cardiology Hospital (RESEARCH) registry. At baseline (i.e., 6 months post-PCI), patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess anxiety and depression and the Type D scale (DS14) to assess Type D personality. The endpoint was defined as all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depression (HADS-D ≥ 8) was 26.2% (324/1236). After a median follow-up of 7.0 ± 1.6 years, 187 deaths (15.2%) from any cause were recorded. The incidence of all-cause mortality in depressed patients was 23.5% (76/324) versus 12.2% (111/910) in non-depressed patients. Cumulative hazard functions differed significantly for depressed versus non-depressed patients (log-rank X(2)=25.57, p<.001). In multivariable analysis, depression remained independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR=1.63; 95% CI [1.05-2.71], p=.038), after adjusting for socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, anxiety, and Type D personality.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression was independently associated with a 1.6-fold increased risk for 7-year mortality, above and beyond anxiety and Type D personality. Future studies are warranted to further elucidate the potential pathways linking depression to long-term mortality following PCI.

An increase in depressive symptoms after myocardial infarction predicts new cardiac events irrespective of depressive symptoms before myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Depression after myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with poor cardiovascular prognosis. There is some evidence that specifically depressive episodes that develop after the acute event are associated with poor cardiovascular prognosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether an increase in the number of depressive symptoms after MI is associated with new cardiac events.

METHOD

In 442 depressed and 325 non-depressed MI patients the Composite International Diagnostic Interview interview to assess post-MI depression was extended to evaluate the presence of the ICD-10 depressive symptoms just before and after the MI. The effect of an increase in number of depressive symptoms during the year following MI on new cardiac events up to 2.5 years post-MI was assessed with Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Each additional increase of one symptom was significantly associated with a 15% increased risk of new cardiac events, and this was stronger for non-depressed than for depressed patients. This association was independent of baseline cardiac disease severity. There was no interaction with the number of depressive symptoms pre-MI.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that an increase in depressive symptoms after MI irrespective of the state of depression pre-MI explains why post-MI depression is associated with poor cardiovascular prognosis. Also increases in depressive symptoms after MI resulting in subthreshold depression should be evaluated as a prognostic marker. Whether potential mechanisms such as cardiac disease severity or inflammation underlie the association remains to be clarified.

Posttraumatic growth in coronary artery disease outpatients: relationship to degree of trauma and health service use

OBJECTIVES

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is frequently reported after the strike of a serious medical illness. The current study sought to: 1) assess the relationship between degree of cardiac "threat" and PTG one-year post-hospitalization; and 2) to explore the association between PTG and healthcare utilization.

METHODS

In a cohort study, 2636 cardiac inpatients from 11 Ontario hospitals completed a sociodemographic survey; clinical data were extracted from charts. One year later, 1717 of these outpatients completed a postal survey, which assessed PTG and healthcare utilization. Morbidity data were obtained retrospectively through probabilistic linkage to administrative data. The predicted risk of recurrent events for each participant was calculated using a logistic regression model, based on participants' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. The relationship among PTG, trauma and health service use was examined with multiple regression models.

RESULTS

Greater PTG was significantly related to greater predicted risk of recurrent events (p<0.001), but not the actual rate of recurrent events (p=0.117). Moreover, greater PTG was significantly related to more physician visits (p=0.006), and cardiac rehabilitation program enrolment (p=0.001) after accounting for predicted risk and sociodemographic variables. PTG was not related to urgent healthcare use.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater PTG was related to greater objective risk of morbidity but not actual morbidity, suggesting that contemplation about the risk of future health problems may spur PTG. Moreover, greater PTG was associated with seeking non-urgent healthcare. Whether this translates to improved health outcomes warrants future study.

Gender Differences in Self-Reported Symptoms of Depression among Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

This study examined the prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms and the self reported somatic depressive symptoms as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) among patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and explored the impact of gender on both. A convenience sample of 789 adults (248 women and 541 men) was recruited for the study during hospital admission for ACS and participants were screened for self-reported depressive symptoms. BDI-II scores of ≥14 indicate a moderate level of depressive symptoms and this cut-off score was used to categorize patients into depressed and non-depressed groups. Pearson chi-square tests for independence (categorical variables) and t tests for independent samples (continuous variables) were used for gender comparisons. Results showed that depressive symptoms during ACS episodes were different between women and men. Women reported greater overall depressive symptoms (BDI-II mean = 11.89, S.D. = 9.68) than men (BDI-II mean = 9.00, S.D. = 7.93) (P < 0.000). Significantly more women (7.66%) were identified positive for somatic depressive symptoms (sleep and appetite disturbances and fatigue) than men (2.22%) (P = 0.0003). Findings support that there are gender differences in depressive symptoms experienced by patients hospitalized for ACS. Somatic symptoms of depression may be important indicators of depression especially among female ACS patients.

Is there a high-risk subtype of depression in patients with coronary heart disease?

Depression is a risk factor for cardiac morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease, especially in those with a recent history of acute coronary syndrome. To improve risk stratification and treatment planning, it would be useful to identify the characteristics or subtypes of depression that are associated with the highest risk of cardiac events. This paper reviews the evidence concerning several putative depression subtypes and symptom patterns that may be associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality in cardiac patients, including single-episode major depressive disorder, depression that emerges after a cardiac event, somatic symptoms of depression, and treatment-resistant depression.

Effects of escitalopram in prevention of depression in patients with acute coronary syndrome (DECARD)

OBJECTIVE

Depression is a major problem in patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with negative impact on survival and quality of life. No studies have examined prevention of post-ACS depression. We examined whether treatment with escitalopram can prevent post-ACS depression.

METHODS

We have conducted a randomised controlled trial. Between November 2004 and December 2007, 240 patients in 2 university hospitals in Copenhagen, Denmark, with ACS were randomised. Patients were randomised to a double-blind treatment with escitalopram or matching placebo for 1 year. Main outcome measure was the incidence of ICD-10 depressive episode.

RESULTS

Of 120 patients treated with escitalopram 2 developed depression versus 10 in placebo treated group (log rank, p=0.022). In multivariate analysis treatment with placebo and high Hamilton Depression Scale score at baseline were associated with development of depression. Patients were well matched at baseline.

CONCLUSION

Twelve months treatment with escitalopram prevented depression in post-ACS patients.

Post-myocardial infarction depression: increased hospital admissions and reduced adoption of secondary prevention measures--a longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE

Depression is prevalent in the aftermath of myocardial infarction (MI), and has been linked with mortality however few studies have investigated hospital admissions in MI survivors. Using a prospective cohort design, we examined the long-term relationship between depressive symptoms, post-MI hospital admissions and secondary prevention measures, in order to assess the burden of post-MI depression on patients and the healthcare system.

METHODS

A cohort of 632 patients aged ≤65 years, admitted for first-ever MI to 1 of the 8 hospitals in central Israel, was followed up for 10-13 years. Depressive symptoms were assessed at initial hospitalization using the Beck Depression Inventory. Rehospitalization and adoption of secondary prevention measures were recorded throughout follow-up.

RESULTS

Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with days of hospitalization during follow-up (RR, 1.37, CI, 1.26-1.49), an association which remained significant after risk adjustment (RR, 1.14, CI, 1.04-1.26). The association appeared stronger for cardiac-related admissions than for other, non-cardiac admissions. Depressed patients were less likely to stop smoking (OR, 0.75, CI, 0.60-0.94), be physically active (OR, 0.80, CI, 0.69-0.94) and participate in cardiac rehabilitation (OR, 0.74, CI, 0.59-0.92).

CONCLUSION

Post-MI depressive symptoms were shown to be associated with increased hospital admissions, particularly cardiac admissions, and with reduced adoption of secondary prevention behaviors. These findings have implications for patients' prognosis and quality of life and for healthcare costs. Depressive symptoms, even at the sub-clinical level, should be monitored in post-MI patients in order to identify those at greater risk of rehospitalization.

Depressive symptom dimensions and cardiac prognosis following myocardial infarction: results from the ENRICHD clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Depression following myocardial infarction (MI) independently increases risk for early cardiac morbidity and mortality. Studies suggest that somatic, but not cognitive, depressive symptoms are responsible for the increased risk. However, the effects of somatic depressive symptoms at follow-up, after sufficient time has elapsed to allow for physical recovery from the initial infarction, are not known. Our aim was to examine the relationship between cognitive and somatic depressive symptom dimensions at baseline and 12 months post-MI and subsequent mortality and cardiovascular morbidity.

METHOD

Patients were 2442 depressed and/or socially isolated men and women with acute MI included in the Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease (ENRICHD) clinical trial. We used principal components analysis (PCA) of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) items to derive subscales measuring cognitive and somatic depressive symptom dimensions, and Cox regression with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing to examine the contribution of these dimensions to all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and first recurrent non-fatal MI.

RESULTS

After adjusting for medical co-morbidity and Bonferroni correction, the somatic depressive symptom dimension assessed proximately following MI did not significantly predict any endpoints. At 12 months post-MI, however, this dimension independently predicted subsequent all-cause [hazard ratio (HR) 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-1.81] and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.17-2.18). No significant associations were found between the cognitive depressive symptom dimension and any endpoints after Bonferroni correction.

CONCLUSIONS

Somatic symptoms of depression at 12 months post-MI in patients at increased psychosocial risk predicted subsequent mortality. Psychosocial interventions aimed at improving cardiac prognosis may be enhanced by targeting somatic depressive symptoms, with particular attention to somatic symptom severity at 12 months post-MI.

Do Different Depression Phenotypes Have Different Risks for Recurrent Coronary Heart Disease?

Although research has consistently established that depression and elevated depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) recurrence and mortality, clinical trials have failed to show that conventional depression interventions offset this risk. As depression is a complex and heterogeneous syndrome, we believe that using simpler, or intermediary, phenotypes rather than one complex phenotype may allow better identification of those at particular risk of ACS recurrence and mortality and may contribute to the development of specific depression treatments that would improve medical outcomes. Although there are many possible intermediary phenotypes, specifiers, and dimensions of depression, we will focus on only two when considering the relation between depression and risk of ACS recurrence and mortality: Inflammation-Induced Incident Depression and Anhedonic Depression. Future research on intermediary phenotypes of depression is needed to clarify which are associated with the greatest risk for ACS recurrence and mortality and which, if any, are benign. Theoretical advances in depression phenotyping may also help elucidate the behavioral and biological mechanisms underlying the increased risk of ACS among patients with specific depression phenotypes. Finally, tests of depression interventions may be guided by this new theoretical approach.

Psychological risk factors and cardiovascular disease: is it all in your head?

Psychological stress has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease. Over the past few decades, there has been an increasing interest in this relationship, leading to a growing pool of clinical and epidemiological data on the subject. Psychological stress has multiple etiologies, which include behavioral causes, acute events or stressors, and/or chronic stress. Cardiac rehabilitation and exercise therapy have been shown to provide protection in primary and secondary coronary heart disease prevention, as well as improve overall morbidity and mortality. In this article, we review the available data regarding the association between psychological stress and cardiovascular disease, as well as the impact of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise therapy on psychological stress-related cardiovascular events.

Onset and recurrence of depression as predictors of cardiovascular prognosis in depressed acute coronary syndrome patients: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Depression after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is associated with worse cardiac outcomes. This systematic review evaluated whether depressed ACS patients are at differential risk depending on the recurrence and timing of onset of depressive episodes.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO were searched from inception to 11 April 2009. Additionally, reference lists and recent tables of contents of 34 selected journals were manually searched. Eligible studies evaluated cardiovascular outcomes for subgroups of ACS patients with depression or depressive symptoms according to recurrence or onset.

RESULTS

Six studies were included that reported outcomes for subgroups of ACS patients with first-ever versus recurrent depression. Four of these reported also outcomes for post-ACS onset versus pre-ACS onset depression, and incident versus nonincident depression. Worse outcomes (odds ratio >1.4) were reported for ACS patients with first-ever depression in 3 of 6 studies (1 study p < 0.05), for patients with post-ACS onset depression in 3 of 4 studies (1 study p < 0.05, but better outcomes in one study) and for patients with incident depression in 2 of 4 studies (no studies p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although it is still suggested that ACS patients with first and new-onset depression are at particularly increased risk of worse prognosis, the inconsistent results from the studies included in this systematic review show that there is no consistent evidence to support such statements.

Emotional triggering and low socio-economic status as determinants of depression following acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

The determinants of depression following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are poorly understood. Triggering of ACS by emotional stress and low socio-economic status (SES) are predictors of adverse outcomes. We therefore investigated whether emotional triggering and low SES predict depression and anxiety following ACS.

METHOD

This prospective observational clinical cohort study involved 298 patients with clinically verified ACS. Emotional stress was assessed for the 2 h before symptom onset and compared with the equivalent period 24 h earlier using case-crossover methods. SES was defined by household income and education. Depression was measured with the Beck Depression Inventory and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and anxiety with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale 3 weeks after ACS and again at 6 and 12 months. Age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score, duration of hospital stay and history of depression were included as covariates.

RESULTS

Emotional stress during the 2-h hazard period was associated with increased risk of ACS (odds ratio 1.88, 95% confidence interval 1.01-3.61). Both low income and emotional triggering predicted depression and anxiety at 3 weeks and 6/12 months independently of covariates. The two factors interacted, with the greatest depression and anxiety in lower income patients who experienced acute emotional stress. Education was not related to depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who experience acute emotional stress during their ACS and are lower SES as defined by current affluence and access to resources are particularly vulnerable to subsequent depression and anxiety.

The puzzle of depression and acute coronary syndrome: reviewing the role of acute inflammation

The relationship between depression and coronary heart disease is well-established, but causal mechanisms are poorly understood. The aim of this review is to stimulate different ways of viewing the relationship between depression and adverse outcomes following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients. We present an argument for depression in ACS and CABG patients being a qualitatively distinct form from that observed in psychiatric populations. This is based on three features: (1) depression developing after cardiac events has been linked in many studies to poorer outcomes than recurrent depression; (2) somatic symptoms of depression following cardiac events are particularly cardiotoxic; (3) depression following an ACS does not respond well to antidepressant treatments. We propose that inflammation is a common causal process responsible in part both for the development of depressive symptoms and for adverse cardiac outcomes, and we draw parallels with inflammation-induced sickness behaviour. Clinical implications of our observations are discussed along with suggestions for further work to advance the field.