The American Heart Association suggests screening and close monitoring of heart patients for depression. Studies show that people who had a heart attack or those with heart conditions are three fold more prone to have depression.

Statistics published in some journals also show that only 50 % of heart doctors monitor and treat their patients for fighting their depression. It also states that not all patients diagnosed with depression are getting proper care and treatment.

Depression may play a major role in the quality of life of a heart patient. Untreated depression may result to poorer daily practices like skipping of prescribed medications, not following of the designed rehabilitation program, or not following the recommended diet.

The study also emphasized the importance of the participation of the whole health care team to determine if the patient is suffering from depression.

Experts suggest asking two basic questions to determine a potential occurrence of depression. First is to ask if the heart patient has lost his interest or drive in doing things. Second is to ask if the patient felt unmotivated, hopeless, or depressed. An affirmative answer to one or both questions signifies depression.

Depending on the severity of the condition, doctors may recommend antidepressants or refer them to a professional mental expert for therapy.

Psychiatrists, on the long term, want to see how heart patients with depression will do or cope. They also endorse following the recommendation of the heart association pushing for screening and close monitoring of heart patients for depression.

The study also noted that patients who experience depression may seek consult but not all of these people will complete the recommended therapy sessions to fight depression.