Cardio-oncology & otherMeta-analysis
Depression and cardiovascular disease: mind the gap in the guidelines
- Systematic review of clinical practice guidelines
Authors' conclusion
Depression negatively impacts patients' lives, irrespective of CVD outcomes.
Study context
- Population
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) clinical practice guidelines (general CVD, HF, CAD, PAD, stroke, aortic disease), English, 2013–2024
- Participants
- 65 clinical practice guidelines (CPGs)
- Outcome
- How CVD CPGs address depression, incl. practical management guidance
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
How CVD CPGs address depression
- Acknowledged depression as a risk factor
- 71%
- Referred to a dedicated CPG for comprehensive guidance
- 12%
- Provided both screening and treatment recommendations
- 23%
- Involved mental health professionals in development
- 12%
- Share of recommendations delivered by stroke CPGs
- 68%
- Share of recommendations delivered by cardiac and stroke rehabilitation CPGs
- 24%
- Recommended cognitive-behavioural therapy (most recommended psychotherapy)
- 29%
- Recommended SSRIs (most recommended pharmacotherapy)
- 20%
- Addressed drug-disease interactions of depression treatment
- 3%
Original publication
Depression and cardiovascular disease: mind the gap in the guidelines. Eur Heart J. Published 29 August 2025. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf479
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it