Treating Depression in Coronary Artery Disease With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Coronary artery disease (CAD) poses a serious risk to the health and well-being of the elderly. Depression is common among CAD patients and has a major negative impact on treatment outcomes and life expectancy. Late-life depression is also associated with symptoms of cognitive impairment and subsequent nonresponse to medications. Coronary artery disease and depression together can detrimentally affect autonomous seniors, resulting in increased caregiver dependence and health care resource use.

Forty-seven percent of patients with CAD have depressive disorders. About 64% of these do not respond to antidepressant treatments. Recent evidence shows that depressed CAD patients have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids than do non-depressed CAD patients. Along with the known role of omega-3 fatty acids in brain health, this suggests that deficiencies may affect depression.

Our study, CAROTID (CAD Randomized Omega-3 Trial In Depression), is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group trial in persons with CAD who are attending a cardiac rehabilitation program. Patients will receive either omega-3 fatty acids supplements or placebo daily during three months of cardiac rehab. We hypothesize that patients who receive omega-3 fatty acids will show greater improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life. This research will determine whether there is an antidepressant effect of omega-3 fatty acids in CAD patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. If successful, then CAROTID will provide evidence to guide health care providers in the recommendation and use of these supplements.

Inclusion criteria

• Language (speaks and understands English)
• Between 45-80 years old
• Stable coronary artery disease (based on no hospitalization for cardiac events for at least 7 weeks prior)
• Angiographic documentation of presence and extent of coronary artery disease (number of vessels involved, extent of stenosis, etc.)
• Written, informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Significant acute medical illness (sepsis, autoimmune condition, drug overdose, uncontrolled diabetes, severely disturbed liver, kidney or lung function, anemia, hypothyroidism)
• Clinically significant cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination < 24)
• Other neurologic conditions (Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, history of epilepsy, birth trauma, significant traumatic brain injury, clinical stroke, progressive supranuclear paralysis, brain tumour, subdural hematoma, multiple sclerosis)
• Canadian Cardiovascular Society Class 4 (indicating unstable angina)
• Ventricular tachycardia and/or implantable cardioverter defibrillator
• Killip class greater than II (indicates high risk of mortality in post-myocardial infarction group)
• Premorbid or concurrent psychiatric diagnoses of schizophreniform or bipolar depressive disorders, current ethanol or substance abuse or any premorbid psychiatric condition requiring hospitalization
• Current use of a concentrated omega-3 fatty acid supplement, or contraindication to soybean/corn oil
• Pregnant women
• Women who become pregnant during the course of the study will be excluded immediately.
• Women of childbearing potential must be using an approved method of birth control.
• Allergies or hypersensitivity to fish
• Pre-existing bleeding disorder
• History of electroconvulsive therapy.
• Suicidal ideation or a history of suicidal ideation/attempts (determined during SCID-I at screening/baseline visits)
• Severe depression, defined by Hamilton Depression Rating score >23
• Current or history of psychotic episode or personality disorder.