Depression is common and precludes accurate assessment of functional status in elderly patients with congestive heart failure.

Authors

Christine E. Skotzko MDFollow
Catherine Krichten MS, CRNPFollow
Gretchen Zietowski MS, RNFollow
Lynette Alves MSFollow
Ronald S. Freudenberger MD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Shawn Robinson MDFollow
Michael L. Fisher MDFollow
Stephen S. Gottlieb MDFollow

Publication/Presentation Date

12-1-2000

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Congestive heart failure (CHF) and depression are independently known to result in physical decline and diminished functional capacity in the general population. The prevalence and relationship of depressive symptoms in CHF to physical limitations has not been objectively examined.

METHODS AND RESULTS: The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to ascertain depressive symptoms in 33 elderly ambulatory individuals with CHF. Self-report assessment of functional status, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX), and measurement of energy expenditure by doubly labeled water and Caltrac Accelerometer (Muscle Dynamics, Torrance, CA) were performed. Depressed and nondepressed groups were compared. Forty-two percent of the patients scored in the depressed range (CES-D score of 16 or greater). There were no differences in demographic variables or severity of illness between the depressed and nondepressed patients. Energy expenditure was comparable across groups. Although obtaining similar maximal heart rate and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) on CPX, the depressed group showed less exertion on exercise testing with a significantly lower respiratory quotient (P = .017).

CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms were common and unrelated to the severity of CHF. Although depressed individuals tended to report worse physical functioning than nondepressed individuals, objective assessment of energy expenditure was comparable. Depressed patients appear to underestimate their functional ability. Subsequently, inaccurate assessment of functional status may occur.

Volume

6

Issue

4

First Page

300

Last Page

305

ISSN

1071-9164

Published In/Presented At

Skotzko, C. E., Krichten, C., Zietowski, G., Alves, L., Freudenberger, R., Robinson, S., & ... Gottlieb, S. S. (2000). Depression is common and precludes accurate assessment of functional status in elderly patients with congestive heart failure. Journal Of Cardiac Failure, 6(4), 300-305.

Disciplines

Cardiology | Medical Sciences | Medical Specialties | Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

11145754

Department(s)

Department of Medicine, Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine Faculty

Document Type

Article