Article

Depression and anxiety are established psychosocial risk factors for
coronary heart disease. Contemporary data on their prevalence and associations
with other risk factors were evaluated as part of the EUROASPIRE IV survey.
Design The design of this study was cross-sectional. Methods The study group
consisted of 7589 patients from 24 European countries examined at a median of 1.4
years after hospitalisation due to coronary heart disease events. Depression and
anxiety were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results
Symptoms of anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety score >/=8)
were seen in 26.3% of participants and were more prevalent in women (39.4%) vs
men (22.1%). Of the patients, 22.4% (30.6% of women and 19.8% of men) had
symptoms of depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression score
>/=8). Nevertheless, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications were prescribed
to only 2.4% of patients at hospital discharge, and 2.7% and 5.0% of patients,
respectively, continued to take them at interview. Both anxiety and depression
were associated with female gender, lower educational level and more sedentary
lifestyle. Anxiety was more prevalent in younger age groups and depression rates
increased with advancing age. Depression was positively associated with current
smoking, central obesity and self-reported diabetes. A number of positive
lifestyle changes reduced the odds of anxiety and depression. Conclusions A
substantial proportion of patients have anxiety and depression symptoms after
coronary heart disease events but these conditions are undertreated. These
disorders, especially depression, are associated with other risk factors,
including educational level, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, unhealthy diet and
reduced compliance with risk factor modification.

Langue : ANGLAIS