Prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with acute coronary syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are common in patients experiencing acute coronary syndrome (ACS), occurring at significantly elevated rates. Together, these depressive symptoms and anxiety have a substantial negative impact on individuals with ACS. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among patients with ACS. A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies were carried out. A comprehensive search of five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) was performed until August 2, 2023. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute statistical meta-analysis review instrument. The collected data were entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed with the R program version 4.2.3. A total of 3103 articles were evaluated, and, after the evaluation process, eight studies were included, for a total sample of 1642 participants. The pooled prevalence of mild depression was 14% (95% CI: 06%-23%; I² = 95%), moderate was 12% (95% CI: 06%-19%; I² = 92%), and high/severe was 15% (95% CI: 05%-30%; I² = 97%). The joint prevalence of mild anxiety was 38% (95% CI: 12%-68%; I² = 98%), moderate anxiety was 17% (95% CI: 08%-29%; I²= 89%), and high/severe anxiety was 10% (95% CI: 01%-25%; I² =95%). Therefore, it is concluded that there is a significant prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with ACS. However, more research focused on this area is required to obtain more robust and substantial evidence.