Depressive disorders in elderly patients with heart failure disease

Abstract

Aim. To study prevalence and dynamics of depressive disorders in aged and elderly patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Material and methods. In 105 hospitalized patients with Functional Class I‑III CHF (NYHA), mean age 77,5±4,7 years, depressive disorder severity (CES‑D scale), quality of life, QoL (Minnesota Questionnaire), physical functioning (6‑minute walk test) were assessed at admission and after 3 weeks of CHD treatment, without antidepressant therapy. Results. Depression was diagnosed in 32,4% of aged and elderly CHF patients, depressive disorders – in 56,2%. Higher CHF FC were associated with increased depression prevalence (р<0,05). Depressed participants had the lowest QoL and 6‑minute walk test results (p<0,05). Compared to other patients, depressed individuals demonstrated no dynamics in emotional QoL cluster and minimal positive changes in 6‑minute walk test results (p<0,05). Conclusion. More than 30% of aged and elderly CHF patients suffered from depression. During hospital treatment, only physical QoL parameters improved, with minimal positive dynamics in 6‑minute walk test results.

Keywords

• chronic heart failure
• depression
• elderly age
• quality of life