The Relationship Between Incidence of Depression After Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Depression is predicted to be the leading cause of mortality and morbidities in the next few years. Its association with cardiovascular diseases is well-established from various researches. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of depression of co-morbid psychiatric disorders among patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction (MI).

In this retrospective study, patients with a history of myocardial infarction marked by electrocardiographic (ECG) and enzymatic findings referred to our psychiatric center were included. The MMPI questionnaire was used to evaluate the prevalence of depression along with other psychiatric disorders. SPSS v18 was used to evaluate the data recorded and analyzed from these questionnaires.

Of 50 patients studied, the prevalence of depression is the greatest (63%) in patients with anterior septal MI. Furthermore, 26% of women and 24% of men with depression and hysteria were the common comorbidity reported. To it, 15 patients aged 60-69 years had post-MI depression.

Our study reports an increased incidence of post-MI depression in the general targeted population. Further investigation and therapeutic measures can decrease future repercussions and the incidence of other cardiovascular events, including recurrent MI.