Background: Depressive symptoms are common in coronary heart disease patients, and are associated with increased cardiac risk. Although an important relation exists between depression and coronary heart disease prognosis, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are poorly understood. Recent evidences suggest that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may improve survival after myocardial infarction in patients with depression.

Conclusions: Recognition, early diagnosis and treatment of this comorbidity may be one of essential factors for the clinical management of coronary artery disease.