Spotting early signs of depression in patients with chronic heart failure

Depression tends to be more common in patients with heart failure than in the general population. It is estimated to affect between 24% and 40% of patients with stable heart failure. Loss of a patient’s sense of self and a forced change in lifestyle can be difficult to accept and that in turn can lead to low mood and then depression. Other factors such as previous mental health issues and external stressors can influence the risk of depression. Evidence suggests depressed patients are less likely to adhere to medication and lifestyle regimes thereby increasing the likelihood of deterioration in their cardiac condition. Fatigue and poor sleep patterns are symptoms associated with heart failure, but can also be attributable to depression. This could influence health professionals’ assessment and treatment of patient’s heart failure, while not addressing the underlying issue of depression. This article looks at depression in heart failure patients and suggests ways in which health professionals can identify early those patients that have an increased risk of developing depression.