ABC Imagem Cardiovasc. 2026; 39(2): e20260074
Beyond Imaging: The Silent Impact of Depression on Coronary Artery Disease
DOI: 10.36660/abcimg.20260074i
This Short Editorial is referred by the Research article "Major Depressive Disorder and Quality of Life in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Assessed by Myocardial Perfusion Imaging".
Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, and its intersection with mental health has received prominent attention in contemporary cardiology discussions. In 2025, the European Society of Cardiology published a guideline specifically addressing the multidirectional association between mental health and cardiovascular disease. Key issues were highlighted, including healthcare professionals’ limited awareness regarding the prevalence of mental disorders and their direct impacts on cardiovascular health, as well as inadequate recognition of severe mental illness and the stigmas associated with these conditions.
Mental disorders play a detrimental role in cardiovascular prevention, affecting treatment adherence and management of acute decompensations. The overlapping symptoms of the two conditions and the difficulties in monitoring chronic disease negatively impact patient prognosis.
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Keywords: Cardiology; Coronary Artery Disease; Depression; Mental Health
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