Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety among Patients of Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among the patients having cardiovascular conditions.

Study Design: Cross sectional Study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Chaudhry Muhammad Akram Teaching Hospital / Azra Naheed Medical & Dental College, Lahore for a duration of six months from February 2020 to July 2020.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty-two patients of cardiovascular disease were selected. Patients’ detailed demographics including age, sex, marital status, socioeconomic status, profession and education were recorded after taking written consent. Patients were issued with a questionnaire. These patients were selected randomly with the help of hospital administration. AKUADS questionnaires were used to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among CVD patients. Patients who scored 19 or above were considered as suffering from anxiety and depression. Data was analyzed by using SPSS-24.0 software

Results: The mean (SD) age of the patients was 45.4 (8.1) years. Female patients were in majority (58.5%).  96 (67.06%) had depression and anxiety. Patients with family history of anxiety and depression were 29%. Most of the CVD patients belonged to the middle socio-economic class. Majority were suffering from dysfunctional behavior, agoraphobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Conclusion: It is concluded that depression and anxiety are strongly linked with cardiovascular diseases such as Hypertension, Ischemic heart Disease and Heart Failure. These risks must be identified by the treating physician and hence appropriate interventions be taken for managing these symptoms. The awareness of mental stress and conditions needs improving and addressed accordingly as is often forgotten while prioritizing cardiovascular illness.