Depression and cardiac morbidity 5 years after coronary artery bypass surgery

Hesperidin reduces depressive symptoms in post-coronary artery bypass graft patients with mild depression

Previous studies have shown that hesperidin may have beneficial effects on depression; however, to the best of our knowledge, no clinical trial has yet been conducted in this area. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to determine the effects of hesperidin on depression, serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and serum cortisol levels in post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. Toward this goal, 73 post-CABG patients with depression symptoms were enrolled. The participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive either 200 mg/day hesperidin (n = 38) or placebo (n = 35) for 12 weeks. Depressive symptoms, serum BDNF, and cortisol levels were then assessed at the baseline and after intervention. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was also used to determine the severity of depression. Sixty-six patients completed the trial. Hesperidin decreased depression severity after 12 weeks, as compared to placebo (p = .004), but serum BDNF and cortisol were not statistically significantly different in the two groups after the intervention. Subgroup analyses also showed that, while in the patients with mild depression, the score of BDI-II was significantly different in the hesperidin and placebo groups after intervention; there was no difference in the severity of depression between the two groups in patients with moderate-to-severe depression. To conclude, a dose of 200 mg/day hesperidin may reduce depressive symptoms after 12 weeks in post-CABG patients with mild depression.

Hesperidin reduces serum levels of triglyceride after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Hesperidin, as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, has beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to determine the effects of hesperidin supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid profile in depressed coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) patients. Eighty patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery participated in this clinical trial and were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group received 200 mg/d pure hesperidin supplement and the second group received placebo for 12 weeks. Both groups continued their usual diet. Serum concentrations of inflammatory and stress oxidative markers (hs-CRP, P-selectin, and ox-LDL) were measured and compared at baseline and the end of the intervention. The changes in serum levels of triglyceride were significantly different between the two groups (p < .05). HDL-c significantly increased in groups but the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (p > .05). Hesperidin did not affect FBS, other lipid parameters, hs-CRP, P-selectin, and OX-LDL (p > .05). SBP and DBP differences were not statistically significant (p > .05). After 12 weeks of intervention, hesperidin reduced serum levels of triglyceride in depressed post-CABG patients.

Clinical practice guidelines for cardiovascular disease: how is depression addressed? Protocol for a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Depression frequently affects patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). When these conditions co-occur, outcomes such as quality of life and life expectancy worsen. In everyday practice, this specific and prevalent disease-disease interaction complicates patient management. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) aim to provide the best available advice for clinical decision-making to improve patient care. This study will aim to evaluate how CPGs specifically address depression in patients with CVD, and whether they provide any operational guidance for screening and management of depression in the primary care and outpatient setting.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a systematic review of CPGs on CVD management published from 2012 to 2023. A broad literature search for guidelines will be performed through electronic medical databases, grey literature search tools, and websites of national and professional medical organisations.Based on the inclusion criteria, two independent reviewers will evaluate eligible guidelines for screening and management recommendations on depression in patients with CVD. Additional points to be evaluated will be any mention of drug-drug or drug-disease interactions, other aspects of specific relevance to treating physicians, as well as general information on mental health. We will assess the quality of CPGs with a recommendation regarding depression in CVD patients using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

As this systematic review is based on available published data, ethics approval and consent are not applicable. Our intent is that our results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, presented at international scientific meetings, and distributed to healthcare providers.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022384152.

Postoperative but not preoperative depression is associated with cognitive impairment after cardiac surgery: exploratory analysis of data from a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

In this study we hypothesize that depression is associated with perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction and altered quality of life one month after surgery.

METHODS

Data were obtained as part of a study evaluating cerebral autoregulation monitoring for targeting arterial pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass. Neuropsychological testing was performed before surgery and one month postoperatively. Testing included the Beck Depression Inventory, a depression symptoms questionnaire (0-63 scale), as well as anxiety and quality of life assessments. Depression was defined as a Beck Depression Inventory score > 13.

RESULTS

Beck Depression data were available from 320 patients of whom cognitive domain endpoints were available from 88-98% at baseline and 69-79% after surgery. This range in end-points data was due to variability in the availability of each neuropsychological test results between patients. Depression was present in 50 (15.6%) patients before surgery and in 43 (13.4%) after surgery. Baseline depression was not associated with postoperative domain-specific neurocognitive function compared with non-depressed patients. Those with depression one month after surgery, though, had poorer performance on tests of attention (p = 0.017), memory (p = 0.049), verbal fluency (p = 0.010), processing speed (p = 0.017), and fine motor speed (p = 0.014). Postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction as a composite outcome occurred in 33.3% versus 14.5% of patients with and without postoperative depression (p = 0.040). Baseline depression was associated with higher anxiety and lower self-ratings on several quality of life domains, these measures were generally more adversely affected by depression one month after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this exploratory analysis suggests that preoperative depression is not associated with perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction, but depression after cardiac surgery may be associated with impairment in in several cognitive domains, a higher frequency of the composite neurocognitive outcome, and altered quality of life.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov, NCT00981474 (parent study).

Associations of Preoperative Self-rated Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression on Length of Hospital Stay and Long-term Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

BACKGROUND

Anxiety and depression are often associated with cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, few study authors have investigated psychological effects on immediate and long-term cardiac surgery-related outcomes, such as surgical complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), and long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to (a) investigate the role of preoperative symptoms of anxiety and depression in predicting LOS in a sample of surgical patients and (b) evaluate the impact of preoperative symptoms of anxiety and depression on the patients' HRQoL 3 months after surgery.

METHODS

One hundred fifty-one patients waiting for surgery were included. To evaluate symptoms of anxiety and depression, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of both clinical and psychological factors on LOS, whereas quantile regression was performed to assess their effect on the patients' HRQoL 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The multiple regression shows that EuroSCORE, length of endotracheal intubation, and anxiety symptoms predict LOS. The multiple quantile regression analyses also show that both symptoms of anxiety and depression predict a negative HRQoL up to 3 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative symptoms of anxiety predict the patients' LOS, and both symptoms of anxiety and depression predict a scarce HRQoL 3 months after cardiac surgery. These results suggest the need for implementing presurgical in-hospital screening procedures for both symptoms of anxiety and depression. Finally, focused psychological interventions should be implemented for reducing inpatients' hospital LOS and improving their future quality of life.

Impact of cognitive behavioral therapy on depression symptoms after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Depression is a significant concern after cardiac surgery and has not been studied in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We sought to examine the prevalence of pre-procedure depression and anxiety symptoms and explore whether brief bedside cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) could prevent post-TAVR psychological distress.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited consecutive TAVR patients and randomized them to receive brief CBT or treatment as usual (TAU) during their hospitalization. Multi-level regression techniques were used to evaluate changes by treatment arm in depression, anxiety, and quality of life from baseline to 1 month post-TAVR adjusted for sex, race, DM, CHF, MMSE, and STS score.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty six participants were randomized. The mean age was 82 years, and 43% were female. Self-reported depression and anxiety scores meeting cutoffs for clinical level distress were 24.6% and 23.2% respectively. Both TAU and CBT groups had comparable improvements in depressive symptoms at 1-month (31% reduction for TAU and 35% reduction for CBT, p = .83). Similarly, both TAU and CBT groups had comparable improvements in anxiety symptoms at 1-month (8% reduction for TAU and 11% reduction for CBT, p = .1). Quality of life scores also improved and were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-procedure depression and anxiety may be common among patients undergoing TAVR. However, TAVR patients show spontaneous improvement in depression and anxiety scores at 1-month follow up, regardless of brief CBT. Further research is needed to determine whether more tailored CBT interventions may improve psychological and medical outcomes.

The Monitoring of Psychosocial Factors During Hospitalization Before and After Cardiac Surgery Until Discharge From Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Research Protocol

Introduction: There is considerable evidence that psychosocial factors contribute to the etiology and prognosis of cardiac illness. Currently, in Italy, psychologists are only obligatory in the cardiac rehabilitation setting, although there are indications that patients could be experiencing distress also during other moments of hospitalization, such as on admission for cardiac surgery. Objective and Methods: The objective of this protocol is to gain more information about cardiac patients, specifically during the various moments of hospitalization for cardiac surgery, by collecting data at admission before cardiac surgery (t0), at admission to cardiac rehabilitation (t1), and at discharge (t2) at the Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Donato hospital. A psychosocial questionnaire was constructed after consulting the relevant national and international guidelines. Patients admitted for cardiac surgery and attending a rehabilitation program will be evaluated by acquiring data about their civil status, religiosity, education and work capacity, social condition (including the presence and quality of intimate relationships and support received), previous psychological and psychiatric histories, psychological status, lifestyle (including questions on nutrition, smoking, alcohol, and substance abuse), adherence to therapy, quality of life (QoL), health perception, anxiety, and depression at t0. Health perception, anxiety, and depression are also measured at t1 and t2. Discussion and Conclusion: This study is an attempt to identify the recommended psychosocial variables which need to be monitored during cardiac patients' hospitalization for cardiac surgery, through to the completion of cardiac rehabilitation. After implementing this study at the IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, attempts will be made to create studies on a national and international level to generate more evidence regarding these variables, in order to create tailor-made interventions for these patients during these specific and delicate moments.

Is Depression Associated with Unhealthy Behaviors among Middle-Aged and Older Women with Hypertension or Heart Disease?

OBJECTIVE

Depression is a common comorbidity in patients with cardiovascular conditions. This study aims to assess the association between comorbid depression and health-promoting behavior in middle-aged and older Australian women with hypertension or heart disease.

METHODS

Data are from a subset of 45 and Up Study participants with diagnosed chronic illness (n = 1,925). Health behaviors including smoking status, alcohol consumption, and physical activity were assessed. Associations of depression with health behaviors in women with hypertension or heart disease were analyzed using unadjusted and adjusted (for chronic conditions and demographic measures) logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 666 women with hypertension and 220 women with heart disease were included in the analysis. In adjusted analyses, women with hypertension and comorbid depression were 2.36 (95% confidence interval, 1.02-5.46) times more likely to be risky or high-risk drinkers and 55% (adjusted odds ratio, 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.73) less likely to be highly physically active, compared with women without depression. Women with heart disease and comorbid depression were 65% (adjusted odds ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.95) less likely to be highly physically active, compared with women without depression.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first data indicating that depression may be a barrier to health-promoting behavior in middle-aged and older women with hypertension or heart disease. Given that physical inactivity and risky alcohol consumption are important risk factors for aggravation of cardiologic conditions, health-promoting behaviors should be specifically targeted in the treatment of women with comorbid depression.

Effects of SSRI medication on heart rate and blood pressure in individuals with hypertension and depression

OBJECTIVE

To test the role of escitalopram on blood pressure and heart rate of individuals with hypertension and depression.

METHODS

A total of 30 individuals participated in this study who were being treated for hypertension and were diagnosed with major depression. Escitalopram (10-20 mg) was administered to 15 individuals, while the other 15 received placebo. These individuals were followed for 8 weeks with regular monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate. Scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were evaluated within the first, second, fourth, and eighth weeks of the study onset.

RESULTS

Comparing with placebo, heart rate was lower in the escitalopram group (66.79 ± 9.85 vs. 74.10 ± 9.52 bpm, p = 0.044). There was not a significant decrease of systolic blood pressure (140.80 ± 16.48 vs 139.61 ± 18.92 mmHg, p = 0.85) and diastolic blood pressure (80.55 ± 12.64 vs 80.18 ± 16.36 mmHg, p = 0.94).

CONCLUSION

Escitalopram decreases HR, but not BP, in individuals with hypertension and depression. Abbreviation: SH: systemic hypertension; BP: blood pressure; DSM: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; SRQ 20: Self-Report Questionnaire; SCID: Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV; HR: heart rate; SNS: Sympathetic nervous system; HPA: hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis; RAA: renin, angiotensin, aldosterone system; NE: norepinephrine; CSF: cerebrospinal fluid; HAM-D: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale; CRF: corticotropin releasing factor; ACTH: adrenocorticotropic hormone; BMI: Body mass index; SBP: systolic blood pressure; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; t: time.

Review of biologic and behavioral risk factors linking depression and peripheral artery disease

The incidence of depression has been rising rapidly, and depression has been recognized as one of the world’s leading causes of disability. More recently, depression has been associated with an increased risk of symptomatic atherosclerotic disease as well as worse perioperative outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. Additionally, recent studies have demonstrated an association between depression and peripheral artery disease (PAD), which has been estimated to affect more than 200 million people worldwide. These studies have identified that depression is associated with poor functional and surgical outcomes in patients with PAD. Although the directionality and specific mechanisms underlying this association have yet to be clearly defined, several biologic and behavioral risk factors have been identified to play a role in this relationship. These factors include tobacco use, physical inactivity, medical non-adherence, endothelial and coagulation dysfunction, and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, autonomic system, and immune system. In this article, we review these potential mechanisms and the current evidence linking depression and PAD, as well as future directions for research and interventional strategies. Understanding and elucidating this relationship may assist in preventing the development of PAD and may improve the care that patients with PAD and comorbid depression receive.

Prevalence of depression and its associated factors in patients post-coronary artery bypass graft surgery

This research aimed to determine the depression level and its correlation experienced by post-coronary artery bypass graft patients after being discharged from cardiac intensive care units. A cross-sectional design was employed for assessing variables. The Self-rating Depression Scale, as proposed by Zung, was used by the researchers on a convenience sample of Jordanian patients (N = 143) who were approached soon after their discharge from the targeted units. The results suggested that the level of depression among Jordanian patients was relatively high (M = 62.7, SD = 5.6). Moreover, depression was significantly higher among female, unmarried and unemployed patients. Patients who received their information about coronary artery bypass graft surgery from nurses had a lower level of depression. Age, length of stay in the cardiac intensive care unit and hospital type significantly predicted the level of depression. The research concluded that the post-coronary artery bypass graft patients who experienced an early onset depression required more attention to highlight the importance of supportive interventions.

Lifestyle Modification in Secondary Prevention: Beyond Pharmacotherapy

Despite significant advances in medical technology and pharmacology, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major contributor to health care expenses and the leading cause of death in the United States. Patients with established CVD and their health care providers are challenged with achieving cardiovascular risk reduction to decrease the likelihood of recurrent cardiovascular events. This "secondary prevention" can be achieved, in part, through adherence to prescribed pharmacotherapies that favorably modify major coronary risk factors (ie, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and obesity). However, lifestyle modification can also be helpful in this regard, providing independent and additive benefits to the associated reductions in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, physicians and other health care providers should routinely counsel their coronary patients to engage in structured exercise and increased lifestyle physical activity, consume a heart-healthy diet, quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, and purposefully address psychosocial stressors that may elevate cardiovascular risk. These lifestyle interventions, either as an adjunct to medication therapy or independently in those patients where medications may be poorly tolerated, cost prohibitive, or ineffective, can significantly decrease cardiovascular mortality and the risk of recurrent cardiac events.

Preoperative biomedical risk and depressive symptoms are differently associated with reduced health-related quality of life in patients 1year after cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether preoperative biomedical risk and depressive symptoms were associated with physical and mental components of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients 1year after cardiac surgery.

METHOD

Seventy-five patients completed a psychological evaluation, including the Center for Epidemiological Study of Depression scale, the 12-item Short-Form Physical Component Scale (SF-12-PCS) and Mental Component Scale (SF-12-MCS), the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living questionnaire for depressive symptoms and HRQoL, respectively, before surgery and at 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Preoperative depressive symptoms predicted the SF-12-PCS (beta=-.22, P<.05) and SF-12-MCS (beta=-.30, P<.04) scores in patients 1year after cardiac surgery, whereas the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation was associated with SF-12-PCS (beta=-.28, P<.02), but not SF-12-MCS (beta=.01, P=.97) scores postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The current findings showed that preoperative depressive symptoms are associated with poor physical and mental components of HRQoL, whereas high biomedical risk predicts reduced physical, but not mental, functioning in patients postoperatively. This study suggests that a preoperative assessment of depressive symptoms in addition to the evaluation of common biomedical risk factors is essential to anticipate which patients are likely to show poor HRQoL after cardiac surgery.

Cognitive behavioral therapy in depressed cardiac surgery patients: role of ejection fraction

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of ejection fraction (EF) and depressive symptoms in cardiac surgery patients assigned to nurse-guided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or usual care (UC).

METHODS

Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Seventy-seven patients (31% women; mean [SD] age, 63.6 [9.8] years) received 8 weeks of either CBT or UC. Using repeated-measures analysis of variance, changes in depressive symptoms over time were evaluated.

RESULTS

There was a significant interaction among time, treatment group, and EF status (p = 0.019). In the patients with preserved EF (≥40%), mean BDI scores in the UC group worsened by 1.9%, whereas those in the CBT group improved by 31.0%. In the patients with low EF (<40%), mean BDI scores worsened by 26.8% and improved by 75.3% in the UC and CBT groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurse-guided CBT is effective in reducing depressive symptoms after cardiac surgery, particularly in patients with low EF.

Enhanced External Counterpulsation Is an Effective Treatment for Depression in Patients With Refractory Angina Pectoris

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) on depression in patients with refractory angina pectoris (Canadian Cardiovascular Society class 2-4).

METHOD

The study was a prospective observational investigation with a 2-month control period preceding the EECP therapy (to minimize a possible effect of the regression-toward-the-mean phenomenon). The patients were examined 2 months before and just before EECP and just after, 3 months after, and 12 months after EECP. Depression was assessed using the Major Depression Inventory and the ICD-10. During EECP, 3 sets of cuffs were fastened around the lower extremities and were inflated sequentially to a pressure of 260 mm Hg in each diastole for 60 minutes 5 days a week for 7 weeks (35 sessions). The study was conducted at a regional hospital in Denmark from May 2006 to January 2011.

RESULTS

Fifty patients with angina pectoris and an abnormal coronary angiography, with no possibility for revascularization, were included (72% men, mean age of 63 years) between May 2006 and January 2011. The prevalence of depression before EECP was 18%, just after was 2%, 3 months after was 2%, and 12 months after was 4% (P = .013). The depressive state was more severe at a lower age (P = .016). No significant predictors of effect of EECP on depression were found (P > .05), and no association was detected between decline in depressive state and chest pain (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicates that EECP is an effective treatment for depression in patients with refractory angina pectoris, that depression is more severe in younger patients, and that the effect of EECP on depression is not related to the effect on chest pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01112163.

Effects of an Innovative Psychotherapy Program for Surgical Patients

Background:

The stepped care program Bridging Intervention in Anesthesiology (BRIA) aims at motivating and supporting surgical patients with comorbid mental disorders to engage in psychosocial mental healthcare options. This study examined the efficacy of BRIA.

Methods:

This randomized, parallel-group, open-label, controlled trial was conducted in the preoperative anesthesiological assessment clinics and surgical wards of a large university hospital in Germany. A total of 220 surgical patients with comorbid mental disorders were randomized by using the computer-generated lists to one of two intervention groups: BRIA psychotherapy sessions up to 3 months postoperatively (BRIA) versus no psychotherapy/computerized brief written advice (BWA) only. Primary outcome was participation in psychosocial mental healthcare options at month 6. Secondary outcome was change of self-reported general psychological distress (Global Severity Index of the Brief Symptom Inventory) between baseline and month 6.

Results:

At 6-month follow-up, the rate of patients who engaged in psychosocial mental healthcare options was 30% (33 of 110) in BRIA compared with 11.8% (13 of 110) in BWA (P = 0.001). Number needed to treat and relative risk reduction were 6 (95% CI, 4 to 13) and 0.21 (0.09 to 0.31), respectively. In BRIA, Global Severity Index decreased between baseline and month 6 (P &lt; 0.001), whereas it did not change significantly in BWA (P = 0.197).

Conclusions:

Among surgical patients with comorbid mental disorders, BRIA results in an increased engagement in subsequent therapy options and a decrease of general psychological distress. These data suggest that it is reasonable to integrate innovative psychotherapy programs into the context of interdisciplinary surgical care.

Presurgical Psychological and Neuroendocrine Predictors of Psychiatric Morbidity After Major Vascular Surgery: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVES

Major life stressors, including major surgeries, are often followed by psychiatric symptoms and disorders. Prior retrospective work found abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is followed by increased psychiatric morbidity, which may adversely influence physical and functional recovery. Identifying risk factors before surgery, such as dysregulation in stress response systems, might be useful in improving preventative intervention.

METHODS

Two hundred sixteen patients receiving open AAA or aortofemoral bypass surgeries, endovascular AAA repair, or nonsurgical AAA treatment were recruited from two vascular surgery services. Psychiatric symptoms and salivary cortisol measures (waking, 4 PM, and 11 PM, before and after low-dose dexamethasone) were obtained at intake and 3- and 9-month follow-ups.

RESULTS

After open surgeries, 18% of patients had new psychiatric disorders, compared with 4% of patients receiving endovascular AAA repair or nonsurgical treatment (odds ratio = 6.0, 95% confidence interval = 1.6-22.1, p = .007). Having a history of major depression predicted the onset of new disorders in surgical patients. Presurgical cortisol levels were associated with both baseline (r = 0.23, p < .05) and 9-month (r = 0.32, p < .01) psychiatric symptoms (cortisol B = 1.0, standard error = 0.48, p < .05, in repeated-measures mixed model).

CONCLUSIONS

Open AAA repair surgery is prospectively linked to the development of psychiatric morbidity, and history of depression elevates risk. Cortisol measures before surgery are associated with current and future psychological functioning, suggesting potential neurobiological mechanisms that may contribute to vulnerability. These results can help identify surgical patients at risk and point to potential targets for risk reduction interventions.

Yoga based cardiac rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass surgery: one-year results on LVEF, lipid profile and psychological states--a randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the long term effects of yoga based cardiac rehabilitation program with only physiotherapy based program as an add-on to conventional rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on risk factors.

METHODS

In this single blind prospective randomized parallel two armed active control study, 1026 patients posted for CABG at Narayana Hrudayalaya Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Bengaluru (India) were screened. Of these, 250 male participants (35-65 years) who satisfied the selection criteria and consented were randomized into two groups. Within and between group comparisons were done at three points of follow up (i.e. 6th week, 6th month, and 12th month) by using Wilcoxon's signed ranks test and Mann Whitney U test respectively.

RESULTS

Yoga group had significantly (p = 0.001, Mann Whitney) better improvement in LVEF than control group in those with abnormal baseline EF (<53%) after 1 year. There was a better reduction in BMI in the yoga group (p = 0.038, between groups) in those with high baseline BMI (≥23) after 12 months. Yoga group showed significant (p = 0.008, Wilcoxon's) reduction in blood glucose at one year in those with high baseline FBS ≥110 mg/dl. There was significantly better improvement in yoga than the control group in HDL (p = 0.003), LDL (p = 0.01) and VLDL (p = 0.03) in those with abnormal baseline values. There was significantly better improvement (p = 0.02, between groups) in positive affect in yoga group. Within Yoga group, there was significant decrease in perceived stress (p = 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.001), depression (p = 0.001), and negative affect (p = 0.03) while in the control group there was reduction (p = 0.003) only in scores on anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Addition of yoga based relaxation to conventional post-CABG cardiac rehabilitation helps in better management of risk factors in those with abnormal baseline values and may help in preventing recurrence.

Early cognitive behavioral therapy for depression after cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Despite high rates of postcardiac surgery depression, studies of depression treatment in this population have been limited.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate early cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in a home environment in patients recovering from cardiac surgery.

METHODS

: From July 2006 through October 2009, we conducted a randomized controlled trial and enrolled 808 patients who were screened for depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in the hospital and 1 month later. Patients were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV; those who met criteria for clinical depression (n = 81) were randomized to CBT (n = 45) or usual care (UC; n = 36). After completion of the UC period, 25 individuals were offered later CBT (UC + CBT).

RESULTS

Main outcomes (depressive symptoms [BDI] and clinical depression [Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV]) were evaluated after 8 weeks using intention-to-treat principles and linear mixed models. Compared with the UC group, in the CBT group, there was greater decline in BDI scores (β = 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81-2.02; P = < .001) and greater remission of clinical depression (29 [64%] vs 9 [25%]; number need to treat, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.7-4.9; P < .001). Compared with the early CBT group (median time from surgery to CBT, 45.5 days) the later UC + CBT group (median time from surgery to CBT, 122 days) also experienced a reduction in BDI scores, but the group × time effect was smaller (β = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.10-1.47; P = .03) and remission rates between the 2 groups did not differ.

CONCLUSIONS

Early home CBT is effective in depressed postcardiac surgery patients. Early treatment is associated with greater symptom reduction than similar therapy given later after surgery.

Study exploring depression and cardiovascular diseases amongst Arabic speaking patients living in the State of Qatar: Rationale and methodology

In Qatar, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death. Studies show that depression is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality among cardiovascular patients. Thus, early detection of, and intervention for, depression among cardiovascular patients can reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and save health care costs. To date there is no study in the Gulf region exploring depression among cardiovascular patients. The goals of our three-phase research program are to (1) understand the mental health issues, specifically depression, as experienced by cardiovascular patients living in the State of Qatar; (2) identify and implement strategies that would prevent depression and assist patients to deal with depression; and (3) evaluate, facilitate, and sustain strategies that are effective at reducing depression and foster its treatment among cardiovascular patients. This paper describe phase I of the research program. Using both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, we will investigate (1) the prevalence and severity of depression among patients who have confirmed diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases (2) how contextual factors such as social, cultural, and economic factors contribute to the risk of depression and its management among cardiovascular patients, and (3) formulate effective intervention strategies that are expected to increase awareness, prevention of and treatment for depression among cardiovascular patients, thus reducing cardiovascular diseases morbidity and mortality in Qatar.

Cognitive impairment before and six months after cardiac surgery increase mortality risk at median 11 year follow-up: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

The additive effects of cognitive impairment and depression on mortality risk after cardiac surgery are unknown.

METHODS

Patients were assessed on a battery of six neurocognitive measures before cardiac surgery (N = 521) and at six month follow up (N = 377/521, 72.4%). Cognitive impairment classification was based on cognitive test scores 1 SD below age and sex matched normative data, and classified according to amnestic, non-amnestic and mixed cognitive impairment subtypes. Survival analyses entered cognitive impairment subtypes and depression interactions terms adjusted for 12 common risk factors.

RESULTS

There were 5407 person years for analysis (median 11.1 year survival, interquartile range of 7.9 to 13.1) and 176 deaths (33.8%) by the census date. Before cardiac surgery, patients with a mixed-cognitive impairment (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 2.53; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.57-4.06, p<.001) and non-amnestic cognitive impairment (adjusted HR = 1.51; 95%, 1.00-2.32, p = .05) were at greater mortality risk. Six month analyses corroborated that the mixed-cognitive impairment group were at higher mortality risk (adjusted HR = 2.35; 95% CI, 1.30-4.25, p = .005). When change in neurocognitive functioning over time was analyzed, a higher mortality risk was evident only amongst patients with cognitive impairment evident at baseline and six months (adjusted HR = 1.83; 95% CI, 1.08-3.10, p = .03). No cognition by depression interaction term was significant.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that a mixed cognitive impairment subtype, and continuing cognitive impairment before and six months after cardiac surgery, is associated with long term mortality, independent of depression and common risk factors.

Depression and cardiovascular disease

Approximately one out of every five patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) suffers from major depressive disorder (MDD). Both MDD and depressive symptoms are risk factors for CVD incidence, severity and outcomes. Great progress has been made in understanding potential mediators between MDD and CVD, particularly focusing on health behaviors. Investigators have also made considerable strides in the diagnosis and treatment of depression among patients with CVD. At the same time, many research questions remain. In what settings is depression screening most effective for patients with CVD? What is the optimal screening frequency? Which therapies are safe and effective? How can we better integrate the care of mental health conditions with that of CVD? How do we motivate depressed patients to change health behaviors? What technological tools can we use to improve care for depression? Gaining a more thorough understanding of the links between MDD and heart disease, and how best to diagnose and treat depression among these patients, has the potential to substantially reduce morbidity and mortality from CVD.

Depressive symptoms after CABG surgery: a meta-analysis

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After participating in this educational activity, the reader should be better able to measure the risk of depression before and after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery; examine the course of depression after CABG; and apply the results of the study to the treatment of patients.

OBJECTIVE

Depression is highly comorbid with coronary artery disease. Clinicians face the question of whether patients' depressive symptoms will improve after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). The objective of this meta-analysis is to determine the course of depressive symptoms after CABG.

METHODS

EMBASE, PubMed, and PsycINFO were searched for studies assessing depression before and after CABG. Meta-analyses were performed for depression at early (1-2 weeks), recovery (>2 weeks to 2 months), mid (>2 months to 6 months), and late (>6 months) postoperative time points. Heterogeneity and publication bias were analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. Twelve reported dichotomous outcomes; 18 reported continuous outcomes; and 9 reported both. Risk of depression was increased early (relative risk [RR] = 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.61). There was a significantly decreased risk of depression at recovery (RR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.90), mid (RR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.58-0.70), and late (RR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.58-0.79) time points without heterogeneity. All studies reporting continuous depression scales had significant heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of depression decreased post-CABG when depression was measured dichotomously. While depression improves overall and remits for some patients after CABG, the majority of patients will not experience remission of depression. Preoperative and postoperative depression monitoring is important.

Persistence of psychological distress in surgical patients with interest in psychotherapy: results of a 6-month follow-up

OBJECTIVES

This prospective observational study investigated whether self-reported psychological distress and alcohol use problems of surgical patients change between preoperative baseline assessment and postoperative 6-month follow-up examination. Patients with preoperative interest in psychotherapy were compared with patients without interest in psychotherapy.

METHODS

A total of 1,157 consecutive patients from various surgical fields completed a set of psychiatric questionnaires preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively, including Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), World Health Organization 5-item Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Additionally, patients were asked for their interest in psychotherapy. Repeated measure ANCOVA was used for primary data analysis.

RESULTS

16.7% of the patients were interested in psychotherapy. Compared to uninterested patients, they showed consistently higher distress at both baseline and month 6 regarding all of the assessed psychological measures (p's between <0.001 and 0.003). At 6-month follow-up, neither substantial changes over time nor large time x group interactions were found. Results of ANCOVA's controlling for demographic variables were confirmed by analyses of frequencies of clinically significant distress.

CONCLUSION

In surgical patients with interest in psychotherapy, there is a remarkable persistence of elevated self-reported general psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder symptoms over 6 months. This suggests high and chronic psychiatric comorbidity and a clear need for psychotherapeutic and psychiatric treatment rather than transient worries posed by facing surgery.

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, anxiety, and cardiac morbidity outcomes after coronary artery bypass surgery: a contemporary and practical review

Research to date indicates that the number of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients affected by depression (i.e., major, minor, dysthymia) approximates between 30% and 40% of all cases. A longstanding empirical interest on psychosocial factors in CABG surgery patients highlights an association with increased risk of morbidity in the short and longer term. Recent evidence suggests that both depression and anxiety increase the risk for mortality and morbidity after CABG surgery independent of medical factors, although the behavioral and biological mechanisms are poorly understood. Though neither depression nor anxiety seem to markedly affect neuropsychological dysfunction, depression confers a risk for incident delirium. Following a comprehensive overview of recent literature, practical advice is described for clinicians taking into consideration possible screening aids to improve recognition of anxiety and depression among CABG surgery patients. An overview of contemporary interventions and randomized, controlled trials are described, along with suggestions for future CABG surgery research.

Gender-specific predictors of early mortality after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

BACKGROUND

Female gender is a risk factor for early mortality after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Yet, the causes for this excess mortality in women have not been fully explained.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse gender differences in early mortality (30 days post surgery) after CABG and to identify variables explaining the association between female gender and excess mortality, taking into account preoperative clinical and psychosocial, surgical and postoperative risk factors.

METHODS

A total of 1,559 consecutive patients admitted to the German Heart Institute Berlin (2005-2008) for CABG were included in this prospective study. A comprehensive set of prespecified preoperative, surgical and postoperative risk factors were examined for their ability to explain the gender difference in early mortality.

RESULTS

Early mortality after CABG was higher in women than in men (6.9 vs. 2.4 %, HR 2.91, 95 % CI 1.70-4.96, P < 0.001). Women were older than men (+4.7 years, P < 0.001), had lower self-assessed preoperative physical functioning (-16 points on a scale from 0 to 100, P < 0.001), and had higher rates of postoperative low cardiac output syndromes (6.6 vs. 3.3 %, P = 0.01), respiratory insufficiency (9.4 vs. 5.3 %, P = 0.006) and resuscitation (5.2 vs. 1.8 %, P = 0.001). The combination of these factors explained 71 % of the gender difference in early mortality; age and physical functioning alone accounted for 61 %. Adjusting for these variables, HR for female gender was 1.36 (95 % CI 0.77-2.41, P = 0.29).

CONCLUSIONS

Age, physical function and postoperative complications are key mediators of the overmortality of women after aortocoronary bypass surgery. Self-assessed physical functioning should be more seriously considered in preoperative risk assessment particularly in women.

Anxiety, Depression, and Self-Management

The purpose of this article was to address the clinically relevant question: In the presence of anxiety and/or depression, do patients who have had heart surgery engage in self-management behaviors following hospital discharge? A systematic review of 16 studies that examined the psychological condition of patients who had coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and/or valvular replacement surgery was conducted. Moderate to severe levels of anxiety and depression exist during the first month of home recovery and appear to have an effect on performance of self-management behaviors. As the influence of patients’ psychological condition is continued to be examined, it is imperative for health care providers to manage increased rates of anxiety and/or depression following heart surgery. Music and relaxation therapy are presented as evidenced based recommendations for managing anxiety and depression in patients following heart surgery.

Depression predicts perioperative outcomes following coronary artery bypass graft surgery

OBJECTIVES

To assess preoperative depression in middle-aged men undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and to determine if depression is related to perioperative outcomes.

DESIGN

One hundred and nine middle-aged male patients were randomly selected and assessed for depression one day before CABG using the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90R). Perioperative outcomes were: (1) postoperative length of hospital stay, (2) the presence of any early complications (at intensive care unit), and (3) the presence of any late complications (at cardiac surgery unit).

RESULTS

Twenty-five (23%) patients had a high level of depression. Preoperative depression scores significantly predicted postoperative length of hospital stay (p < 0.001) and the incidence of late perioperative complications (p < 0.05) independently from biomedical and sociodemographic factors. Each increase in depression T score increased the odds of occurrence of late complications by 10% (p = 0.018, CI 95% 1.02-1.19).

CONCLUSIONS

Depression is common in middle-aged men undergoing CABG and is an independent predictor of postoperative length of hospital stay and late perioperative complications.

Depression is associated with increased mortality 10 years after coronary artery bypass surgery

OBJECTIVE

To determine if depression is independently associated with cardiac and all-cause mortality 10 years after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Although many studies have examined the relationship of depression and mortality in patients with myocardial infarction, there is less understanding of the relationship between depression and long-term mortality after CABG surgery.

METHODS

In a prospective study, we collected data on 309 patients hospitalized after CABG surgery. Before discharge, patients were assessed for depression using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Subsequently, mortality data were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics and supplemented with phone interviews.

RESULTS

Sixty-three (20%) patients met modified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) and 87 (28%) had BDI scores of ≥10, indicating elevated depressive symptoms. Time-to-event or last follow-up phone contact ranged from 9 days to 11.5 years (median, 9.3 years). The overall mortality rate was 37.9% (117 of 309), with 20.1% (62 of 309) due to cardiac causes. Cox proportional hazard modeling showed that age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; p = .005), left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) (EF <0.35 [HR], 3.9; p < .001; EF, 0.35-0.49 [HR], 1.9; p = .03), and MDD (HR, 1.8; p = .04) were independent predictors of cardiac mortality. The BDI and the cognitive-affective symptoms subset of BDI symptoms were also predictors of cardiac mortality. Age, EF, and diabetes predicted all-cause mortality, but MDD did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression, assessed both in structured interview and by BDI, was significantly associated with elevated cardiac mortality 10 years after CABG surgery.

Illness beliefs before cardiac surgery predict disability, quality of life, and depression 3 months later

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of patients' presurgery illness beliefs and cardiac risk factors on health-related outcomes 3 months following cardiac surgery.

METHODS

In a prospective design, 56 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve surgery, or a combined procedure) were approached on admission to hospital and reassessed 3 months after surgery. Presurgery assessment included cardiac risk factors and measures of illness severity. Illness beliefs were assessed using the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R). Outcome measures included levels of illness-related disability, physical functioning, psychological well-being, and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Physical functioning of patients improved 3 months after surgery, while disability and psychological well-being did not change significantly. Cardiac risk factors prior to surgery were unrelated to the outcomes 3 months later. With the use of hierarchical multiple regression analyses, after controlling for demographic variables and baseline scores of outcome variables, patients' beliefs about their illness predicted disability (adjusted R(2)=.350, P<.01), physical functioning (adjusted R(2)=.283, P<.01), and depressive symptoms (adjusted R(2)=.302, P<.01). Illness severity measures did not mediate the association between illness beliefs and outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Patients' beliefs about their illness before surgery strongly influence recovery from cardiac surgery. The results suggest that patients could benefit from presurgery cognitive interventions aimed at changing maladaptive illness beliefs to improve physical functioning and disability following cardiac surgery.

Depression and the cardiovascular system: increasing evidence of a link and therapeutic implications

This review explores the epidemiological evidence for the relationship between depression and cardiovascular disease from a mechanistic standpoint. It is important to examine the biological, behavioral and social mechanisms to improve outcomes for depressed cardiac patients. A number of plausible biobehavioral mechanisms linking depression and cardiovascular disease have been identified. Tricyclic antidepressants have various effects on the cardiovascular system, while selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are not associated with adverse cardiac effects and should, therefore, be the preferred choice for the treatment of most patients with comorbid depression and cardiovascular disease.

Treatment of depression after coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized controlled trial

CONTEXT

There has been little research on the treatment of depression after coronary artery bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To test the efficacy of 2 nonpharmacological interventions for depression after coronary artery bypass surgery compared with usual care.

DESIGN

A 12-week, randomized, single-blind clinical trial with outcome evaluations at 3, 6, and 9 months.

SETTING

Outpatient research clinic at Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri.

PATIENTS

One hundred twenty-three patients who met the DSM-IV criteria for major or minor depression within 1 year after surgery.

INTERVENTION

Twelve weeks of cognitive behavior therapy or supportive stress management. Approximately half of the participants were taking nonstudy antidepressant medications.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Remission of depression, defined as a score of less than 7 on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression.

RESULTS

Remission of depression occurred by 3 months in a higher proportion of patients in the cognitive behavior therapy (71%) and supportive stress-management (57%) arms than in the usual care group (33%) (chi(2)(2) = 12.22, P = .002). Covariate-adjusted Hamilton scores were lower in the cognitive behavior therapy (mean [standard error], 5.5 [1.0]) and the supportive stress-management (7.8 [1.0]) arms than in the usual care arm (10.7 [1.0]) at 3 months. The differences narrowed at 6 months, but the remission rates differed again at 9 months (73%, 57%, and 35%, respectively; chi(2)(2) = 12.02, P = .003). Cognitive behavior therapy was superior to usual care at most points on secondary measures of depression, anxiety, hopelessness, stress, and quality of life. Supportive stress management was superior to usual care only on some of the measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Both cognitive behavior therapy and supportive stress management are efficacious for treating depression after coronary artery bypass surgery, relative to usual care. Cognitive behavior therapy had greater and more durable effects than supportive stress management on depression and several secondary psychological outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00042198.

Depressive symptoms, health behaviors, and risk of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease

CONTEXT

Depressive symptoms predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease, but the mechanisms responsible for this association are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine why depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

The Heart and Soul Study is a prospective cohort study of 1017 outpatients with stable coronary heart disease followed up for a mean (SD) of 4.8 (1.4) years.

SETTING

Participants were recruited between September 11, 2000, and December 20, 2002, from 12 outpatient clinics in the San Francisco Bay Area and were followed up to January 12, 2008.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Baseline depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). We used proportional hazards models to evaluate the extent to which the association of depressive symptoms with subsequent cardiovascular events (heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or death) was explained by baseline disease severity and potential biological or behavioral mediators.

RESULTS

A total of 341 cardiovascular events occurred during 4876 person-years of follow-up. The age-adjusted annual rate of cardiovascular events was 10.0% among the 199 participants with depressive symptoms (PHQ score > or = 10) and 6.7% among the 818 participants without depressive symptoms (hazard ratio [HR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval, [CI], 1.16-1.95; P = .002). After adjustment for comorbid conditions and disease severity, depressive symptoms were associated with a 31% higher rate of cardiovascular events (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.00-1.71; P = .04). Additional adjustment for potential biological mediators attenuated this association (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.94-1.63; P = .12). After further adjustment for potential behavioral mediators, including physical inactivity, there was no significant association (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.79-1.40; P = .75).

CONCLUSION

In this sample of outpatients with coronary heart disease, the association between depressive symptoms and adverse cardiovascular events was largely explained by behavioral factors, particularly physical inactivity.

An item-level analysis of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) by race and ethnicity in patients with coronary artery disease

INTRODUCTION

The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is a measure of depressive symptoms that is commonly used in clinical studies. Studies employing this measure often describe variations in aggregate scores. However, few studies have examined variations in response to specific items by race and ethnicity.

METHOD

This was a cross-sectional analysis among adults who were ages 50 and older and who were hospitalized for the management of coronary artery disease. Differential item functioning analysis was used to determine whether there were racial and ethnic variations in response to the items on the CES-D.

RESULTS

Of the 571 participants, 76% were Caucasian, 12% were African-American, and 8% were Latino-American. After adjusting for age, gender, and education, four items exhibited differential item functioning. The odds of Latinos endorsing the item 'I was bothered by things that usually don't bother me' was 2.5 (95% CL 1.2-5.9); 2.7 (95% CL 1.4-5.1) for the item 'My sleep was restless'; 2.0 (95% CL 1.0-5.0) for the item 'I felt that I was just as good as other people'; and 2.3 (95% CL 1.3-4.5) for the item 'I enjoyed life'. The last two items were scored in reverse therefore; higher scores reflect more depressive symptoms. African-Americans were 3.0 times more likely to endorse the item 'people were unfriendly' (95% CL 1.4-6.5).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, differences in somatic, positive affective and interpersonal symptoms were associated with the higher prevalence of depressive symptoms observed among racial and ethnic minorities when compared to Caucasians.