Depression and neurocardiogenic syncope

pp 607-617

Abstract

The present study reviews the literature dealing with interactions between cardiovascular disorders and clinical depression. Specifically, we sought to determine to what extent depression increase mortality in cardiovascular patients, and whether it is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disorders in previously healthy individuals . In patients with known cardiovascular disorders, the development of depression worsens the prognosis; this effect is dependent upon the severity and duration of clinical depression, and is most evident in patients surviving a myocardial infarction . With one exception, general population studies indicate that depressed individuals have an increased risk of cardiovascular death. We formulate a hypothesis that might explain these observations, and we also offer a series of recommendations regarding the recognition and management of depression in cardiovascular patients.