[Psychopharmacological treatment of patients complicated with cardiovascular disease]

Abstract

We've had many opportunities of treating psychiatric problems of patients with cardiovascular diseases(CVD). Several studies have shown the close relationship between psychological factors and CVD. Depression and anxiety increase a prevalence of and worsen a prognosis of CVD. Looking at these patients, we must consider the following: psychotropics-induced hypotension and QT prolongation (antipsychotics and tricyclic antidepressants), cardiovascular drugs induced psychiatric symptoms(diuretics), and cardiac and psychiatric drugs interaction, especially in cytochrome P450 activity(fluvoxamine and paroxetine). Besides a psychopharmacological treatment, psychological approaches based on a therapeutic relationship are important in a cardiac rehabilitation setting.