Patients, who feel low when having a cardiac device implanted, are more likely to stop taking their heart medications than those without depression, according to research presented at the ACNAP 2023, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) on Saturday.

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation is recommended for people at high risk of a life-threatening arrhythmia and for those who have had a sudden cardiac arrest.

It is estimated that approximately one in every five patients with an ICD is affected by depression or anxiety. Both mental health issues have been linked with an elevated risk of death in those with an ICD.

"Medications help to control symptoms and prevent further heart problems so adherence is important. Patients with an ICD who feel depressed or anxious should be encouraged to express their concerns, thoughts, and feelings and contact a health care professional who can screen them for distress to explore the best course of action," said Ole Skov, a psychologist and doctoral student in cardiac psychology at the University of Southern Denmark.