Processing math: 100%

Effective treatments for depression and coronary artery disease

Photo of an elderly couple sitting on a bench by the sea

Many people who have coronary artery disease (CAD) also develop . Depression can make heart problems worse too. Psychological treatment and certain antidepressants can relieve that develops after distressing events like a or surgery.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the muscles of the heart (coronary arteries). This means that the heart doesn't get enough oxygen because the blood vessels allow less blood to flow through. Coronary artery disease can lead to chest pain, a heart attack, heart failure and an irregular heartbeat. Many people who have coronary artery disease also develop depression.

Heart disease can cause depression

Depression increases the risk of heart problems

Research on psychological treatments and medications

The benefits of psychological treatments

Benefits of medication

Comment on this page

Über diese Seite

Updated on April 15, 2024

Next planned update: 2027

Publisher:

Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG, Germany)

Stay informed

Subscribe to our newsletter or newsfeed. You can find our growing collection of films on YouTube.