Screening for anxiety and depression among patients with cardiovascular diseases at a private tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

Background & Objective: Approximately 17.3 million individuals across the globe lose their lives to cardiovascular diseases with most of these cases occurring in low-to-middle-income countries. The incidence of cardiovascular disease in Pakistan is 918 cases per 100,000 individuals. Depression frequently impacts the health, expenses, and prognosis of patients with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to screen anxiety and depression among patients with cardiovascular diseases. Method: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Participants were patients with cardiac disorders and were receiving care in the inpatient unit or in the ambulatory clinic. Results: The study included 234 participants. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were screened in 28.6 percent participants and was significantly higher among single participants. Moreover, the presence of symptoms showed a significant difference based on gender, with a higher rate among females (p = 0.025). Conclusion: The symptoms of anxiety and depression among patients with cardiovascular disease emphasizes the need for tailored interventions. These findings highlight the need to include regular screenings for anxiety and depression in cardiac care to better address the psychological challenges faced by vulnerable patient groups.