ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN HEART FAILURE: SPECIAL ARTICLE
Athanasia Tsami
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Publication year:
2024
Author:
- Tsami Athanasia, RN, MSc, University General Hospital of Athens “Laiko"
Keywords index:
Pages: 329-334
Abstract:
Background/Objective: Anxiety and depression are closely associated with heart failure (HF) and contribute to its development and progression through multiple biological and behavioral pathways.
Summary: The shared biological and behavioral pathways among depression, anxiety and HF include dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, reduced heart rate variability, elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, platelet dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction and metabolic disorders. Behavioral factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet, and low medication adherence also contribute significantly to this reciprocal relationship. Together, these factors may interact to the progression of cardiac dysfunction.
Conclusion: Anxiety and depression may coexist or deteriorate HF through interconnected neuroendocrine, inflammatory, vascular, and behavioral mechanisms, highlighting the importance of integrated clinical management. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing personalized treatment strategies aimed at improving both mental health and HF outcomes.
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