Prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with cardiovascular disease during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and the sanitary measures implemented had an impact on the mental health of the most vulnerable populations. Aims: To know the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with cardiovascular disease and/or vascular risk factors after the end of quarantine and compare it with the prevalence during quarantine and before the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online questionnaire was sent 150 days after the quarantine ended. The Hospital Anxiety Depression (HAD) scale was used and clinical and demographic data were recorded. The results were compared with samples obtained during quarantine and the EPICA study conducted in 2016 before the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The samples included 1076, 3542 and 1035 patients respectively. The prevalence of anxiety fluctuated but did not change (20.8%, 13.5% and 21% respectively). Depression increased its prevalence (9.8%, 16.7% and 19.7% respectively). Depression was associated with coronary heart disease and risk behaviors (cigarette smoking and sedentary lifestyle). Conclusion: Depression doubled its prevalence during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with cardiovascular disease and/or vascular risk factors. The effects of the pandemic appear to extend beyond the duration of the quarantine.