Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression (SAD) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation. A multicentre Australian experience: The SAD-TAVI Study

Abstract Background Symptoms of anxiety and/or depression (SAD) commonly co-exist in severe aortic stenosis, associated with increased morbidity and mortality following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Despite this, mental health remains under-researched in the TAVI literature. Purpose To characterise the prevalence of SAD in those undergoing TAVI and identify patient phenotypes at highest risk of these symptoms. We also aimed to examine how SAD evolve following TAVI and establish factors predictive of improvement and regression in mental health. Methods Retrospective review of prospectively collected data from patients undergoing TAVI between 2018 and 2023 included in an Australian TAVI registry. Results Of 1279 patients, median age was 82 (IQR 77, 87), 41% were female and median STS score was 3.9 (2.3, 5.9). 353 (28%) patients reported moderate or worse SAD at baseline. Of this group, 260 (74%) had complete resolution in symptoms within 30-days. Body Mass Index<25 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.4, p<0.001), vascular site complications (aOR 3.4, p=0.029) and non-home discharge (aOR 2.4, p=0.036) independently predicted failed improvement in SAD. Onset of new SAD was uncommon, present in only 72 (8%) patients. Non-home discharge (19% vs 8%, p=0.006) and a composite endpoint of stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and heart-failure readmission (11% vs 4%, p=0.012) were more prevalent in this cohort. Conclusion Symptoms of anxiety and depression are common but under recognised in severe aortic stenosis. TAVI is highly effective at improving these symptoms. Regular screening for mental health should be adopted as a standard of care in TAVI.Evolution of SAD Following TAVI