Open AccessDepression and coronary heart disease: A review for cardiologists
Author(s) -
Carney Robert M.,
Freedland Kenneth E.,
Sheline Yvette I.,
Weiss Edward S.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960200304
Subject(s) - medicine , depression (economics) , myocardial infarction , distress , coronary heart disease , disease , cardiology , comorbidity , intensive care medicine , clinical psychology , economics , macroeconomics
Major depression is a common comorbid condition in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Although mild emotional distress may be a normal reaction to myocardial infarction or other manifestations of CHD, major depression should not be considered a normal reaction, nor should it be ignored. Major depression is a debilitating comorbid disorder that can seriously complicate recovery and increase the risks of further cardiac morbidity and mortality. Fortunately, it is one that can be successfully treated in the majority of cases. The purpose of this review is to present the evidence for the negative prognostic effects of depression in cardiac patients and to discuss methods for assessing and treating depression in these patients.