Depression is more common in patients with heart failure and chronic renal failure than in patients experiencing heart failure alone, according to information in the August issue of the American Journal of Kidney Disease. Also, the association between depression and mortality is at least as unfavourable in patients with heart failure and chronic renal failure as in patients experiencing heart failure only.

A cohort study of 374 patients hospitalised for heart failure (NYHTN II or more). The Beck Depression Inventory and the National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) were used.