The comorbidity depression and coronary disease - the differences between male and female

Abstract

Introduction

The prevalention of depression in in-patients is 33% and in patients with coronary disease /heart attack/ is 45%. The occuring of comorbid depression and heart attack is 16-22% but not recognized and not treated often.

Objective:

To compare differences between male and female with heart attack and comorbid depression.

Methods:

102 patients with diagnosis of heart attack were assessed for depression during the second week following heart attack, after week 12, 24, 52 and 76. 76% patient were diagnosed as having depression according DSM-IV.For assessment of depression HAMD and MADRS were used and CGI, Zung Rating Scale for Depression, Beck Anxiety Inventory, laboratory and internal parameters, number of rehospitalizations and morbidity.

Results:

In 76% patients with heart attack depressive symptoms were present (52% male). 37% male with comorbid depression /mostly not treated/ and acute heart attack died but only 13% male without depression. From 68% male without depression after heart attack nobody died.

Conclusion:

We averaged more often occuring comorbid depression and heart attack in male /52 vs 46%/ and mortality in depressive male /mostly not treated/ is higher as in female. Number of rehospitalizations is higher in male /1.9x/ like in female /8x/ too in compare with controls.