The Heart of Depression

Depression is common after cardiac surgery, affecting roughly one-quarter of patients. This review examines postoperative depression in cardiac surgery patients, integrating clinical, psychological, and physiological perspectives to understand how depression develops after surgery. In this review, we discuss how preoperative vulnerability, surgical stress, and recovery-related factors contribute to pathophysiological changes, functional outcomes, and mortality risk. These factors identify patients at highest risk and may allow a personalized approach to postoperative care in the management of postoperative depression.