The impact of depression on the course and outcome of coronary artery disease: Review for cardiologists

Epidemiological research,ver the past decade indicates that major depressio n and depressive symptomatology are common among patients with coronary art ery disease (CAD) and postmyocardial infarction. Major depression is a seri ous, debilitating comorbid disorder that can significantly increase risk fo r and complicate recovery from cardiac events (eg, myocardial infarction). Unfortunately, major depression is rarely detected or treated in the cardio logy setting. However, it is a disorder that can be successfully and safely treated in the majority of cases. Although the mechanisms that may be medi ating the depression-CAD link are less well understood, there are several p lausible mechanisms by which depression may influence the course and outcom e of CAD. This review examines the literature linking major depression and depressive symptomatology to CAD course and outcome, and makes recommendati ons for improving assessment and treatment of depression in the cardiology setting.