Depression in heart failure patients

Depression and heart failure share a common genetic and pathophysiologic basis, thus demanding a deep understanding of the relation between these diseases across all the stages of heart failure. The aim of the present study was to review the literature about the relation of depression and heart failure. Method and material : A computer search of the literature was conducted from 1999-2013. PubMed was searched using the following key-search terms: depression-heart failure-assessment- depression risk factors. Results : Depression is prevalent in patients with heart failure and according to estimates, it ranges from 9% to 60% depending on the definitions of depression. Depression leads to poorer outcomes in patients with heart failure, including increased risk of poor functional status, hospital readmission and death. Depression incidence is higher in hospitalized patients with heart failure than in stabilized outpatients. Systematic evaluation of depression by both completion of self-reported scales and a personal interview by the specialist is imperative for successful treatment and generally a better quality of life in patients. Many factors are held responsible for depression of heart failure patients such as age, gender, educational and economic status, amount of receiving information as well as the stage of the disease. Conclusions : Though, depression is often overlooked, however it is an issue that need to be addressed in patients with heart failure. Nurses have a major role in the management of patients with heart failure and therefore in early detection and treatment of depression.

Author(s): Lefteriotis Christos

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