Prolonged use of antidepressants can significantly increase the risk of sudden heart death. This is claimed by Danish scientists who have found in extensive medical record analysis that In patients who used medicines between one to five years, the risk of death at unexpected heart problems was 50 percent higher. For those who have taken antidepressants for six years and longer, the risk has more than doubled.
“This is a shocking example of the risks associated with the mass prescription of these strong drugs,” The authors from Copenhagen. The study defined sudden heart death as an unexpected death due to a heart problem within one to 24 hours of the first symptoms.
Danski Scientists analyzed all deaths in the country in 2010 and found 6,002 cases of sudden heart death, one third of which were among patients taking antidepressants. “We have found that individuals taking antidepressants are much more likely to be of death in this way compared to those who do not take them,” the authors said.
The highest increased risk was recorded in the age group of 30 to 39 years. Those who took antidepressants from one to five years were three times higher. Those who took them for six years or more were five times higher. The co -author of the study by Dr. Jasmin Mujkanovic said that the exact mechanism of this increased risk is not yet fully understood.
“The risk of sudden cardiac death may be related to the possible adverse effects of antidepressants. But at the same time the duration of use of these drugs may serve as an indicator of more serious health problems. Lifestyle and behavior associated with depression, such as postponing medical care or poor cardiovascular system, can also play a role, ” It supplies Mujkanovic. According to her, further research is needed.
