Are poor health behaviours in anxious and depressed cardiac patients explained by sociodemographic factors?

Abstract

While the high smoking rates evidenced in anxious and depressed patients were explained by sociodemographic factors, their poor diet and low physical activity (depressed patients only) were independent of these factors. Given the impact of lifestyle modification on survival after a cardiac event, anxious and depressed patients should be a priority for cardiac rehabilitation and other secondary prevention programmes.

Red flags for persistent or worsening anxiety and depression after an acute cardiac event: a 6-month longitudinal study in regional and rural Australia

“…While previous studies report higher rates of distress in 45 a recent study suggest no difference between CABGS, AMI, and PCI groups in inhospital depression symptoms, 18 consistent with the pattern reported here. Importantly, as CABGS is not performed at the participating hospitals, this group is under-represented in the present study.…”

Predicting Mortality 12 Years After an Acute Cardiac Event

“…22 , 23 Behaviorally, depressed patients report lower medication compliance, 24 , 25 higher rates of smoking, 26 more dietary fat, 27 and lower physical activity. Depressed patients have higher levels of biomarkers that promote atherosclerosis, reduced heart rate variability suggesting increased sympathetic activity, and increased C-reactive protein, an indicator of increased inflammatory response.…”

Symptom prevalence differences of depression as measured by BDI and PHQ scales in the Look AHEAD study

“… *The lowest score on the BDI (0‐9) is classified as minimal depression, whereas the lowest score on the PHQ is classified as no depression. All other categories are classified with the same labels (ie, mild, moderate, severe).…”

“…For example, lack of pleasure and sleep abnormalities are related to abnormal serotonin and norepinephrine regulation of the hypothalamus and sleep centers, whereas fatigue and loss of energy appear to be affected by malfunctioning neuronal circuits regulated by multiple neurotransmitters . However, the overlapping symptoms of depression and diabetes, particularly somatic symptoms including fatigue, must be considered when these comorbid conditions occur but they are, unfortunately, underrecognized in clinical settings . Awareness of cognitive and affective symptoms unique to depression (ie, negative thoughts, anxiety) can help clinicians delineate the correct diagnosis of depression .…”