Depression is common among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly women. Clinical depression and heightened depressive symptoms have been associated with adverse outcomes in both male and female cardiac patients. The exact mechanisms by which depression affects outcome remain to be elucidated and there is some debate over whether depression precedes or follows cardiac events. Even so, a 2008 AHA Science Advisory supports the need for screening and treating depression in patients with coronary heart disease. Our expert panel discusses the links between depression and CVD and how screening and treatment for depression can be integrated into clinical practice.

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Purpose/Goal: The purpose of this activity is to educate clinicians to recognize and treat depression in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Target Audience: This program is intended for cardiologists, primary care physicians and other healthcare providers involved in the management of patients with cardiovascular disease.

Education Objectives: At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

• Outline the clinical significance of depression in patients with CVD
• Review data on the treatment and depression and CV risk
• Summarize guidelines for the screening and treatment of depression in patients with CVD

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Accreditation Statement: Medscape is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Medscape designates this educational activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit^TM. Each participant should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of his/her participation in the activity.

The online series of two medical education programs is available on theheart.org, a wholly owned subsidiary of WebMD.