The American Heart Association science advisory on depression and coronary heart disease: An exploration of the issues raised

Abstract

The American Heart Association issued a science advisory on depression and coronary heart disease (CHD) in 2008. This paper reviews the purpose and content of the advisory and discusses reactions and new information that have followed the advisory's release. Both the advisory and subsequent data support routine screening for depression in patients with CHD. Such screening can be done efficiently in primary care and cardiology settings and can effectively identify many depressed patients who would otherwise go undetected. Antidepressant drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are safe for use in patients with CHD, can reduce depression, and can improve adherence with medical therapy. Referral to a practice with the knowledge and resources to manage depression promotes successful management of depressed patients with CHD.