Increased epicardial adipose tissue in young adults with congenital heart disease comorbid with major depressive disorder

Journal of Affective Disorders
Kai G KahlMechthild Westhoff-Bleck

Abstract

Congenital heart disease is the most common congenital malformation. In adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is increased. Beyond its immanent health risks, increased epi‑ and paracardial adipose tissue has been described in MDD. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a fat depot surrounding the heart, and it is hypothesized to be associated with coronary artery disease, left-ventricular dysfunction and atrial fibrillation, being frequent problems in ACHD long-term management. We here examined whether EAT is increased in depressed patients with ACHD. Two-hundred and ten ACHD outpatients (mean age 35.5y, 43% female) were included. MDD was diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria using expert interviews. EAT was measured using echocardiography. Further assessments comprised NT-proBNP, left and right ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left-ventricular ejection fraction, smoking behavior and physical activity. Of 210 patients, 53 (25.2%) were diagnosed with MDD. EAT was increased in depressed ACHD (F = 5.04; df = 1; p = 0.026). Depressed male patients were less physically active (p < 0.05) and smoked more cigarettes (p < 0.05). EAT was positively predicted by depression severity (p = 0...Continue Reading

Citations

May 1, 2021·Journal of Clinical Medicine·Mechthild Westhoff-BleckKai G Kahl

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