Impact of depression on sexual dysfunction and HRQoL in CAD patients

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the depression on sexual dysfunction and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients admitted for cardiovascular rehabilitation within 3 months after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods. In all, 745 consecutive CAD patients (502 men and 243 women, aged 60.9 ± 9.3 years) admitted for cardiovascular rehabilitation within 3 months after an AMI, were enrolled in the study and divided into 4 groups according to Beck depression inventory (BDI) score range. HRQoL was estimated using the SF-36 questionnaire for total QoL and dimensions for physical and mental health physical and mental component summary scores (PCS, MCS)]. Sexual dysfunction was assessed using the ASEX scale.

Results

The HRQoL decreased following the range of depression, as demonstrated for significantly higher PCS in minimal compared to mild, moderate and severe depression groups (P<0.001). The MCS was significantly higher in minimal compared to mild, moderate and severe depression groups (P<0.001). The ASEX score was significantly higher in minimal, compared to mild, moderate and severe depression groups, as well as in mild and moderate compared to severe depression group. A significant association was found between depression score range and age, self-reported regular exercise, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cigarette smoking.

Conclusions

Depression significantly affected HRQoL and sexual dysfunction in CAD patients, as demonstrated by the significant decrease of PCS, MCS, and significant increase of ASEX score following the range of the depression according to BDI.