High impact of depression in heart failure: Early diagnosis and treatment options

Depressive syndromes in chronic heart failure (CHF) are common and are associated with a poorer prognosis, particularly with increased morbidity and mortality. CHF as a severe physical disorder may increase the risk of developing depressive syndromes or vice-versa as an interaction of possible common psycho-organic etiological aspects. Depression in CHF is associated with impaired NYHA status and daily activities, resulting in enhanced hospitalisation rates and medical costs with a great impact on long-term health. Only a fraction of comorbid patients receives antidepressants. Therefore, identification of risk factors and prevention by optimizing cardiological and psychiatric therapeutic strategies appear essential for these patients. Early diagnosis and treatment of both CHF and depression may prevent further pathophysiological effects on the heart and brain. This review gives a comprehensive overview of the occurrence, risk factors and shared pathophysiology of depression in CHF, and focuses on improving insufficient diagnosis and therapy of depression. Special attention is given on the cardiac effects of psychopharmacological and alternate non-pharmacological antidepressant therapy in CHF. Recommendations are made for treating depression in CHF patients for a better prevention of this disabling physical and psychosocial condition.