Objectives: To evaluate whether depressive symptoms (DS) in elderly patients with heart failure (HF) in the community is associated with increased mortality.
Design: A cohort of 510 elderly patients (65-82 years) in a primary healthcare setting with symptoms associated with HF underwent a clinical and echocardiographic examination. A left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% indicated HF. The mental health index scale was used to screen for DS. Cardiovascular and all-cause mortality was registered over 6 years.
Results: After adjustments those with DS had an increased risk (HR) of 3.0 (CI 95% 1.6-5.5, p=0.0001) and 2.2 (CI 95% 1.3-3.7, p=0.0004) of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, respectively. Patients with HF and DS had the highest risk of cardiovascular mortality, HR 15.7 (CI 95% 4.8-52.2) compared to patients with HF without DS and those with LVEF > or = 50% and normal left ventricular diastolic function with and without DS.
Conclusion: DS in elderly patients with HF is independently associated with increased mortality. Screening for DS is recommended as part of the clinical routine in managing patients with HF.