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New Delhi, Mar 31: A recent study has raised concerns about the long-term safety of antidepressant use, revealing a significant association between prolonged medication and an elevated risk of sudden cardiac death. The research, presented at EHRA 2025, the annual congress of the European Society of Cardiology, suggests that the risk increases with both age and the duration of antidepressant use.
The study, conducted on a large cohort of 4.3 million residents in Denmark, found that individuals taking antidepressants for one to five years had a 56% higher risk of sudden cardiac death compared to those not on the medication. Alarmingly, those who remained on antidepressants for six or more years faced a risk that was more than double (2.2 times higher).
The research also highlighted age-related variations in risk:
- Individuals aged 30-39 years with one to five years of antidepressant use were three times more likely to experience sudden cardiac death, and the risk increased fivefold for those on the medication for six or more years.
- For individuals aged 50-59 years, the risk doubled after one to five years of use, and those on antidepressants for six or more years had a fourfold increase in risk.
Dr. Jasmin Mujkanovic from Rigshospitalet Hjertecentret, Copenhagen, emphasized the direct correlation between the duration of antidepressant exposure and the likelihood of sudden cardiac death. “Individuals on antidepressants for six or more years were at an even higher risk compared to those who used them for one to five years,” Dr. Mujkanovic stated.
Researchers explained that the causes of sudden cardiac death varied with age. In younger individuals (below 39 years), it is often attributed to heart muscle thickening or electrical irregularities, while in older individuals, it is more commonly caused by narrowing of heart blood vessels.
The increased risk may be attributed to a combination of potential side effects of antidepressants, pre-existing cardiovascular health issues, delayed healthcare-seeking behaviors, and lifestyle factors associated with depression, according to Mujkanovic.
Experts at the EHRA 2025 congress underscored the urgent need for further research to thoroughly assess the long-term safety of antidepressant use and to explore potential preventive measures.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided information and should not be interpreted as medical advice. The study suggests an association between long-term antidepressant use and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, but it does not establish a causal relationship. Individuals taking antidepressants should consult with their healthcare providers before making any changes to their medication regimen. This information is for general knowledge and reporting purposes only, and readers should seek professional medical advice for any health concerns.(https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1276304)
