Gender differences in depressive symptoms associated with acute coronary syndrome

Introduction: Depressive symptoms during hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) occur in as many as 45% of patients and more often apply to women. There are few studies of occurrence of depression in patients after ACS treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to examine gender differences in depressive symptoms of patients hospitalized due to ACS and treated with PCI as well as to assess the dynamics of changes and intensification of depressive symptoms among the examined male and female patients. In addition, determinants which may have influence on occurrence of depressive symptoms among patients hospitalized due to ACS in relation to gender were determined. Material and methods: The study was conducted among 140 patients (70 women, 70 men) hospitalized due to ACS who underwent the procedures of PCI. Each patient, who agreed to take part in the research, completed a self assessment questionnaire including Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at baseline and at 6 months after ACS admission. Results: The mean baseline (16.1 vs 11.3) and 6-months (10.0 vs 7.5) BDI scores were significantly higher for women compared to men, indicating more reported depressive symptomatology. On the basis of multiple regression significant predictors of the presence of depressive symptoms for female gender were: diabetes (p=0.038), age>60 (p<0.008) and arterial hypertension (p=0.025). Variables significantly associated with depressive symptoms for men were: marital status (widower) (p=0.041), diabetes (p=0.049), and arterial hypertension (p=0.049) Conclusions: Female gender is a significant independent predictor of depressive symptoms and their severity post ACS. Diabetes and arterial hypertension are associated with a higher frequency and severity of depressive symptoms in both gender. These results suggested that age >60 years is the most important predictor of depressive symptoms among women with ACS.