Impact of depression at early and late phases following acute coronary syndrome on long-term cardiac outcomes

Background Depression has been associated with worse cardiac outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome, while no study has investigated trajectory of depression and ACS prognosis. This study investigated associations of depressive disorder within 2 weeks (early) and at 1 year (late) after ACS with major adverse cardiac event (MACE). Method In 757 ACS patients recruited in 2007–2012 and evaluated for depressive disorder at the two time-points, 5–12 year follow-up for MACE was conducted. Results MACE incidence was significantly higher in patients with depressive disorder at early or late phase of ACS than those without, regardless of status at the other time point; however, highest incidence was found following depression at both time points. Limitation The follow-up for depressive disorder was made at only one point. Conclusion Depression evaluation thus needs consideration both early and late post-ACS.