Affiliation:
1. Department of Cardiac Arrhythmia Research and Innovation, Graduate School of Medical Science Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Kyoto Japan
2. Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Kyoto Japan
3. Departments of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Science Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Kyoto Japan
Abstract
BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia among older people and has a significant impact on quality of life. However, it is not always perceived as a serious mental health risk. This study investigated the understanding, perceptions, and attitudes toward the risk of depressive state associated with older patients with AF.MethodsWe conducted a quantitative survey in April–June 2021 among patients with AF aged ≥65 years (n = 156), and physicians or cardiologists attending at least 10 older patients with AF annually (n = 158).ResultsIn total, 45% of patients considered AF a cause of a depressive state. In contrast, 16% of physicians reported that they considered AF a cause of a depressive state. Fifty‐two percent of the patients had experienced a depressive state. Of these, 98% expressed that a depressive state lowered their quality of life. Two of the three patients reported that they would consult their physicians if they felt depressed. By contrast, 30% of physicians responded that even if they perceived their patients as depressed, they prescribe anti‐anxiety medication but do not refer the patient to psychiatrists. Of the physicians, 50% stated that they did not regard the association of AF and depressive state as serious, although both physicians and patients understood that negative anxiety, such as fear of AF attacks, strokes, or heart failure, was the most important contributor to a depressive state.ConclusionEstablishing mental healthcare involving physicians together with psychiatrists is necessary to improve the mental and physical health outcomes for older patients with AF. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 543–548.
Funder
Pfizer Health Research Foundation
Cited by
1 articles.
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