Key result
Depressive symptoms in chronic heart failure correlate with higher TNF-α, elevated NT-proBNP, and poorer quality of life.
Why the study?
Depression is prevalent in chronic heart failure and linked to morbidity and reduced quality of life, but few studies have evaluated its relation to inflammatory markers, neurohormonal peptides, and functional status.
Cross-Sectional (n=120)
Effect estimate: r = 0.48
p-value: p=<0.01
In patients with chronic heart failure, depression is prevalent and strongly correlates with elevated inflammatory and neurohormonal biomarkers, increased anxiety, and reduced quality of life.
Supports depression screening in heart failure; hypothesis-generating for biomarker-targeted interventions.
Introduction Depression is prevalent among patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and is associated with increased morbidity, hospitalization, and reduced quality of life. Inflammation and neurohormonal dysregulation are hypothesized to underlie this association. However, few studies have evaluated depressive symptoms in CHF patients in relation to proinflammatory cytokines, natriuretic peptides, and functional status. Objectives To assess the relationship between depressive symptoms and levels of TNF-α, NT-proBNP, and clinical variables including anxiety and quality of life among patients with CHF. Methods A total of 120 patients diagnosed with CHF (NYHA II–III) were recruited. Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and anxiety with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7). Quality of life was evaluated using EQ-5D. Serum levels of TNF-α and NT-proBNP were measured by ELISA method. Echocardiographic parameters, demographic variables (age, sex), and lipid profiles were recorded. Correlation and subgroup analyses were conducted to assess associations between biomarker levels and psychological/clinical outcomes. Results Depressive symptoms (BDI ≥14) were present in 66.7% of patients. Higher depression scores correlated significantly with elevated TNF-α (r = 0.48, p < 0.01), NT-proBNP (r = 0.42, p < 0.01), and anxiety levels (GAD-7, r = 0.61, p < 0.001). Patients with depression also reported significantly lower EQ-5D index scores (mean 0.56 vs. 0.74, p < 0.001). Women reported higher depressive and anxiety scores than men (p < 0.05), while older patients (>65) showed stronger correlations between NT-proBNP and emotional distress. No significant correlation was observed between lipid levels and depressive symptoms. Conclusions Depression in CHF patients is significantly associated with elevated inflammatory and neurohormonal markers, as well as anxiety and reduced quality of life. These findings underscore the importance of psychosomatic assessment in CHF management. Future research should explore integrated treatment strategies targeting both physiological and psychological domains. Disclosure of Interest None Declared
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Sikora et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Chronic heart failure (n=120). Depressive symptoms vs. Lower or no depressive symptoms was evaluated on Correlation between depression scores and TNF-α levels (r = 0.48, p=<0.01). Depressive symptoms in chronic heart failure patients were significantly correlated with elevated TNF-α (r = 0.48), NT-proBNP (r = 0.42), anxiety, and reduced quality of life.
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