Sertraline in depressed patients with or at risk for coronary heart disese: a systemic review.

Abstract

<h4>Background and aims</h4>Depression is a prevalent comorbidity among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). While recent studies have hinted at a possible association between CHD and antidepressant medications like sertraline, the existing evidence remains inconclusive. To investigate this potential link, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review.<h4>Methods</h4>We systematically searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus for relevant articles published up to March 2023. After a thorough screening of titles and abstracts, 12 studies were included in our review.<h4>Results</h4>The included studies, spanning from 1999 to 2021, comprised 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one pilot study. A total of 2767 participants with major depressive disorder and a history of cardiovascular disease or at risk for such events were included. The majority of these studies demonstrated improvements in mood status among patients treated with serotonin-targeting antidepressants and a reduced risk of cardiovascular events, as measured by various outcomes. While some cardiac adverse effects were observed with serotonin treatment, these did not reach statistical significance.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Our findings provide evidence supporting the beneficial effects of serotonin-targeting antidepressants for both depressive symptoms and the prevention of coronary adverse outcomes. These results highlight the potential value of serotonin-based treatments for depression in high-risk populations.