title: Identify and treat depression for reduced cardiac risk and improved outcomes.
abstract: Why do we stay in prison when the door is wide open? - Jalal ad-Din Rumi. Depression is an independent risk factor for the development of CAD. Patients with CAD have a high rate of depression, which worsens their prognosis. Screening CAD patients with the 2-question PHQ-2 to identify those at greatest risk of depression is strongly recommended, as is referring patients for further evaluation and possible treatment when depression has been identified by the PHQ-9. Treating depression is likely to improve cardiovascular outcomes. The PHQs are in the public domain and free to use. To download and for more information, visit www. phqscreeners.com.
authors: Center for Women's Heart & Vascular Health, Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. scoulter@texasheart.org
authors: Stephanie A
authors: SA
authors: Coulter
authors: Karla
authors: K
authors: Campos
mesh_terms: D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires