The magnitude of depression in heart failure patients and its association with NYHA class. (13th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Botto, J.; Martins, S.; Moreira, E.; Cardoso, J. Silva; Fernandes, L.
• Is Part Of: European psychiatry. Volume 64:Supplement 1(2021)
• Page Start: S342
• Page End: S342
• Publication Date: 2021-04-13
• Subjects: NYHA class -- heart failure -- Depression; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.918
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-9338

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Depression is commonly present among HF patients and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. However, research regarding its association with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class is still scarce. Objectives: To evaluate the presence of depression symptoms in HF outpatients and analyze its association with NYHA class. Methods: This study is part of a larger research project (Deus Ex-Machina/NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-00026). HF patients were recruited from an outpatient clinic at a University Hospital. Exclusion criteria were: unable to communicate, severe visual acuity deficit or NYHA class IV. Sociodemographic data and NYHA class were registered. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression, with a score ≥10 indicating clinically relevant depression. Results: A sample of 136 HF patients was included, with a median age of 59 (range: 24-81) years old, where 66% were men. Almost half of the patients (49%) were in NYHA class II, followed by class I (36%) and class III (15%). The median score of PHQ-9 was 4(range:0-18), with 26% showing clinically relevant depression. PHQ-9 total score was associated with NYHA class (p=0.001), with higher median scores in worse NYHA classes [class I: 3 (IQR: 5.5), class II: 4 (IQR: 8) and class III: 8.5 (IQR:9.3)]. Conclusions: In this study, depression was present in 26% of HF outpatients and was associated with more severe HF symptoms. Consequently, preventing, monitoring, and treating depression in the management of these patients is recommended. Further research is needed for a deeper analysis of this association.