Can percutaneous coronary intervention lead to depression and anxiety?

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with myocardial infarction who are treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

This study concluded that these patients had low rates of depression and anxiety symptoms following treatment, but these symptoms may increase after a period of time. 

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is more commonly known as a heart attack. During MI, the blood flow to the heart stops. An ST elevated MI (STEMI) is a type of heart attack that is caused due to complete blockage of the coronary artery.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is used to treat narrowing of the coronary arteries that led to MI. It involves introducing a small structure called a stent to the heart. The stent helps to open up the coronary artery that has been blocked during MI. Primary PCI (pPCI) is used in patients with AMI where there is evidence of severe heart damage.

Depression and anxiety are often experienced following AMI. It was unknown what the rates of prevalence of depression and anxiety were in patients with STEMI when treated with pPCI.

This study involved 79 patients who had experienced an AMI. They were followed for a period of 12 months after treatment with pPCI. A test and self-rated scale were used to measure depression and anxiety 24 hours after pPCI, before being discharged from hospital and at 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge.

It was found that 21.5% of patients had depression symptoms and 8.9% had anxiety symptoms 24 hours after pPCI.

9.2% of patients had depression symptoms before being discharged from hospital compared to 0% of patients having anxiety symptoms at this time.

At 3 months post pPCI, it was found that 10.4% of patients had depression symptoms and 4.5% had anxiety symptoms.

At 6 months post pPCI, it was found that 15.4% of patients had depression symptoms and 10.8% had anxiety symptoms.

At 12 months post pPCI, it was found that 13.8% of patients had depression symptoms and 6.2% had anxiety symptoms. 

This study concluded that patients with AMI with STEMI who were treated with pPCI had low overall presence of symptoms of anxiety or depression. It was also concluded that a decrease in symptoms was seen before discharge but a gradual increase was seen after this period in patients treated with pPCI. 

Consult your physician about the advantages and disadvantages of pPCI, and all symptoms that you are experiencing.