New associations found between depression and heart failure

Those with heart failure are at increased risk of depression, and according to a new study from University of California Davis and Duke University, proper depression control can improve physical health for heart failure patients. The research, conducted jointly by psychiatrists and cardiologists, will be published in an upcoming issue of Circulation: Heart Failure.

Depression has been long thought to worsen the symptoms of many diseases, and according to UC Davis Health System news, this is among the first studies to show a conclusive link between a psychological condition and a physical correlate. This news may interest heart disease patients who buy Effexor and other products for depression. The study noted that treating depression could significantly lower health costs associated with the cardiovascular condition.

Significant changes in health results
The study consisted of a secondary analysis of a 2008 study on the effects of depression medications on heart disease and chronic heart failure, including a questionnaire to determine changes in perceived cardiac symptoms. Taking data from standardized evaluations administered over the 12 weeks of the study, UC Davis and Duke researchers found that for those participants whose depression entered remission, improvements were found in cardiac symptom frequency, quality of life and social and physical limitation.

With five points on the Kansas City Cardiomypathy Questionnaire considered a significant change, patients whose depression appeared treated scored 13 points higher on the scale, intended to measure perceived cardiac symptoms.

A Short Form Health Survey showed further that reduced depression signs were also linked to improved health perception and physical functioning. The test, which consists of a six-minute monitored walk, showed notable endurance improvements with formerly depressed patients walking 154 feet farther than their depressed counterparts.

Endurance boosts
"The improved endurance measurements were especially striking," lead author Glen Xiong, M.D., told the news source. "I think clinicians will be more motivated to both screen and treat depressive symptoms in people with heart failure because of the significant functional improvements."

Heart failure occurs when the heart can't pump the blood required by the body's other functions. According to the Mayo Clinic, the best way to prevent heart failure is to address leading risk factors such as coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, diabetes or high blood pressure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cite heart failure as a leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 280,000 deaths each year caused in part by heart failure. The CDC cites the disease as affecting 5.7 million people in the United States, with common symptoms including shortness of breath, weight gain and general fatigue.