Depression increases the risk of additional heart attacks

This article evaluated the association between depressive symptoms following first-time heart attacks and additional cardiovascular events.

Depression represents a common affliction affecting thousands of patients following diagnosis of a serious medical condition. Depression is known to seriously affect activities of daily living as well as adherence to treatments and lifestyle changes needed in the management of the disease. While depression is known to be associated with increased overall mortality (death from any cause), little is known regarding the effects of depressive symptoms following first-time heart attacks on future cardiovascular risk.

This study evaluated 897 first-time heart attack survivors. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their lifestyle, eating habits, mental state and physical activities. 18.6% of the patients exhibited depressive symptoms.

After an average follow-up of 1.9 years, 35.3 % of patients exhibiting depressive symptoms experienced an additional cardiovascular event (such as a heart attack or a stroke), compared to 24.7% of patients not exhibiting depressive symptoms. This correlated to a 53% increase in the risk of additional cardiovascular events associated with depression. The risk of both overall mortality and cardiovascular-specific mortality was also significantly increased among patients exhibiting depressive symptoms.

However, patients exhibiting depressive symptoms were more likely to suffer from a more severe cardiac disease, harbor more comorbid conditions, be living alone, be a smoker and be less physically active. After adjusting for these factors, the risk of additional cardiovascular events was found to be increased by 17% among depressed patients. However, this association was not found to be statistically significant. The risk of death as a result of an additional cardiac event remained significant and was increased by 33% among patients experiencing depression.

This study concluded that depressive symptoms following a first-time heart attack are associated with an increased risk of new cardiovascular events and early mortality.

Consult with your physician regarding programs and therapies proven to aid in the treatment of post-diagnosis depression.