Depressive Symptoms Predict Health Risks in Older Adults with Heart Failure
Author Information
Author(s): Latimer Abigail, Wu Jia-Rong, Knoepke Christopher, Kang JungHee, Moser Debra
Primary Institution: University of Kentucky
Hypothesis
Functional status and depression predict event-free survival in older adults with heart failure.
Conclusion
Depressive symptoms significantly increase the risk of hospitalization and mortality in older adults with heart failure, regardless of their functional status.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants had an average DASI score of 11.49 ± 9.26.
- 58% of participants had at least mild depressive symptoms.
- 63 hospitalizations and 25 deaths occurred during the follow-up period.
- The risk of hospitalization or death was 2.16 times greater for those with depressive symptoms.
Takeaway
Older people with heart failure who feel depressed are more likely to end up in the hospital or die, even if they can do daily activities.
Methodology
Secondary analysis of data on depressive symptoms and functional status from older adults with heart failure, followed for 2 years.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 73, 68.2% men, 87.9% White, 63.1% NYHA III or IV.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p <.01
Confidence Interval
95% Confidence Interval=1.27-3.67
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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