Depression and ischemic heart disease

Background:     Depressive disorders are regarded as risk factors for ischemic heart disease. They may be also factors that play a role in pathogenesis of Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD).
    Material/Methods:    The study screened a population of patients hospitalized in the Cardiology Department of the Medical University in Lodz due to different forms of IHD. The study group consisted of 111 patients (89 men, 22 women) whose mental status was assessed by means of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS).
    Results:    The scores of the overall population did not exceed upper limits on both scales: the BDI and the HDRS. Statistically significant more pronounced depressive symptoms, measured by BDI as well as by HDRS, were observed in women (BDI=14.3; HDRS=8.2) as compared with men (BDI=8.9; HDRS=6.2 respectively). Active workers presented significantly less degree of depressive disturbances than pensioners (BDI=11.5; HDRS=7.2 versus BDI=8.0; HDRS=5.8, respectively).
    Conclusions:    Physicians should pay more attention on depressive symptoms in patients with IHD as they may need close follow-up and monitoring of their mood, with initiation of treatment for depression if symptoms persist.

Keywords: ischemic heart disease, depression, psychological state, psychological problems, ischaemic heart disease, Depression