Cardiovascular effects of antidepressants
Cardiovascular effects of antidepressants

Summary/Abstract: Depression and cardiovascular disease are extremely frequent, often being associated and requiring a careful selection of antidepressant therapy. There are an increasing number of studies suggesting that depression is associated with both the development of coronary artery disease and increased mortality after myocardial infarction and stroke. Objectives - Using the PubMed platform we identified studies designed to evaluate the effects of antidepressants on cardiovascular function and the safety of their use for patients with known cardiovascular pathology. Results and conclusions - Depression seems to be an independent risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease and for cardiac death after myocardial infarction and stroke. The use of some antidepressants (tricyclics) may be associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, while the use of other medication (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – SSRIs) may reduce the risk of myocardial infarction. Recent studies have shown that the use of SSRIs and mirtazapine is safe after myocardial infarction and may even reduce mortality, although response to treatment may be a prerequisite for this beneficial effect. Antidepressants like citalopram and paroxetine appear to be safe in coronary heart disease, while others (especially SSRIs) can improve mortality after stroke. The use of antidepressants is complicated by various cardiovascular effects, although SSRIs and mirtazapine have few important cardiovascular side effects.

• Details
• Contents