Depression Fatal for Heart Patients

Heart patients suffering from depression are at much higher risk of death than patients who aren’t depressed, a new study conducted by researchers at University of Alberta has found.

“Both patients and clinicians need to know it’s a prevalent problem because the rates are quite significant,” said Dr. Padma Kaul, a Cardiology Professor at the University of Alberta and one of the study’s four authors. “Physicians who are treating these patients should know males especially are at a higher risk of mortality if they are depressed,” Dr. Kaul stated.

More than 16,000 patients were studied as part of the research. All of these patients had gone to the emergency department in any city across Alberta. Each complained of either chest pain or were suffering from angina or heart attacks. The data was collected for patients between July 1998 and March 2000 from pharmacy claims and Alberta Health and Wellness. While some of the patients were admitted to hospitals, others were sent home after necessary treatment.

Out of the total population studied, 2,300 took an anti-depressant within three months of coming in for the emergency treatment. 5.9% of these patients died within one year. On the other hand there was only 4.7% mortality rate in the remaining patients who were not depressed.

“The risk for men was far higher than women, even though more women were on medication to help them with their depressed mood,” Dr. Kaul said. 8.4% of the men who got treated for depression died as compared to 5.2% of the women. This despite the fact about 18% of female heart patients were taking anti-depressants as against only 10% of men.

“Doctors need to keep a close eye on men with heart troubles, since some might feel uncomfortable about reporting feelings of depression, yet have a higher risk of dying,” Dr. Kaul said. “What we are hoping is, given these data, there will be collaborative care between cardiologists and psychiatrists and family physicians for follow-up with these patients,” she added. The health community is aware people with coronary symptoms suffer from higher rates of depression; so a certain amount of collaboration already exists.

Depression rates for the general population range between 5% and 6%; however these figures rise to between 13% and 15% for those with coronary artery disease. It is not yet clear if depression and anxiety are the causes for heart disease or vice versa.

Based on their study results, researchers are of the opinion doctors need to give both physical and mental treatment to heart patients for better results. “Psychiatric treatment needs to become routine,” suggests Dr. Kaul.

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