Study published: Effects of beta-blockers on anxiety and depression in patients with myocardial infarction
Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
A recently published study has examined the effects of beta-blockers on anxiety and depression in patients recovering from a myocardial infarction (MI) with preserved cardiac function. U-CARE’s PhD candidate Philip Leissner is the main author of the study, which is part of the REDUCE-AMI trial. The study found that the use of beta-blockers led to a modest increase in depressive symptoms, while no effect on anxiety was found.
Mental health and beta-blockers
In this study, the researchers examined how beta-blockers, a common heart medication, might affect anxiety and depression. Beta-blockers suppress the heart activity, leading to a decrease in blood pressure, but have been linked to side effects such as fatigue and depression. In some cases, they can also be prescribed to treat anxiety, mainly somatic symptoms such as a racing heart.
The study measured anxiety and depression levels in 806 patients at three different times: during hospitalisation, 6-10 weeks after hospitalisation, and 12-14 months after hospitalisation. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess patients' self-reported symptoms.
Modest increases in depressive symptoms
Patients using beta-blockers, especially those already on the medication before their MI, showed a modest increase in depressive symptoms. However, no effect on anxiety was observed, suggesting beta-blockers may manage physical anxiety symptoms but not psychological ones.
Implications for patient care
The results underscore the importance of monitoring mental health in MI patients who are prescribed beta-blockers. Philip Leissner emphasizes that the findings do not suggest patients should stop taking beta-blockers without consulting their physicians. Instead, he advises that physicians exercise caution during routine prescription of beta-blockers, and be aware of the patients’ mental health status.
Read the article
Read the full article ‘Short- and long-term effects of beta-blockers on symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with myocardial infarction and preserved left ventricular function: a pre-specified quality of life sub-study from the REDUCE-AMI trial’. The study is authored by Philip Leissner, Katarina Mars, Sophia Humphries, Patric Karlström, Troels Yndigegn, Tomas Jernberg, Robin Hoffmann, Claes Held, and Erik Olsson.