Post myocardial infarction depression, prevalence, diagnosis, pathophysiologic mechanisms, treatment and management

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) can have significant physical and mental consequences. Depression is a prevalent psychiatric condition after MI which can reduce the quality of life and increase the mortality rates of patients. The link between depression and poor cardiac outcomes has prompted clinical trials investigating the impact of treating depression on both outcomes. Methods: In this paper, we discussed about post Myocardial infarction depression, its Prevalence, pathophysiologic mechanisms, such as neurobiological mechanisms of post-MI depression, Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system, environmental factors, like lack of social support, lifestyle changes, economic status and health related anxiety. Results: By 2030, depressive disorders are projected to become the first leading cause of disease burden in high-income countries and the second leading cause globally. Depression is prospectively linked to negative cardiac outcomes, regardless of other cardiovascular risk factors. In individuals who are initially healthy, depression is correlated with a greater likelihood of developing heart disease compared to those without depression. Conclusion: We have concluded that several factors including the dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, various environmental factors, and genetics can be contributed to the correlation between Myocardial infarction and depression. Keywords: Post myocardial infarction, depression, prevalence, diagnosis, pathophysiologic mechanisms, treatment, management