Recent research has raised concerns about the potential link between antidepressant medications and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), a condition responsible for nearly half of all cardiovascular-related fatalities. While antidepressants are commonly prescribed for mental health conditions such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), studies suggest that prolonged use may have significant cardiovascular risks.
SCD occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, often due to an arrhythmic event, and is typically fatal if immediate treatment isn’t administered. The condition is closely linked to underlying heart disease, but individuals suffering from depression also face a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, including SCD. Research has pointed to antidepressant use as a contributing factor to this risk, with some medications known to affect heart rhythms.
According to Jasmin Mujkanovic, MD, a doctoral researcher in cardiology at Rigshospitalet Hjertecentret in Denmark, some antidepressants may prolong the QT interval, a delay in the heart’s electrical activity that can increase the risk of arrhythmias and, in rare cases, lead to SCD. Mujkanovic highlights that while depression itself is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the effects of antidepressants on heart health deserve careful consideration.
Mujkanovic’s recent study, presented at the EHRA 2025 scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology, analyzed medical data from Denmark, focusing on adults aged 18 to 90. The research compared participants who experienced SCD with those who did not, categorizing them based on their use of antidepressants. The results underscore the impact of prolonged antidepressant use on the risk of SCD, showing a significant difference between individuals who used the medication for varying lengths of time.
The study found that individuals who used antidepressants for 1 to 5 years had a 56% increased risk of SCD. The risk was even higher for those who had used antidepressants for six years or more, with a 2.2-fold increase in the likelihood of experiencing SCD.
“The longer the exposure to antidepressants, the higher the risk of SCD,” Mujkanovic explained. “However, it’s important to note that longer antidepressant use could also reflect more severe or chronic depression, which may independently contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease.”
When researchers examined the results by age group, they found varying levels of risk associated with antidepressant use. Among participants aged 30 to 39, those who used antidepressants for 1 to 5 years were three times more likely to experience SCD compared to non-users. This risk increased to five times higher for those using antidepressants for six or more years.
For individuals aged 50 to 59, antidepressant use for 1 to 5 years doubled their risk of SCD, and quadrupled it for those using the medication for six years or longer. The study also revealed that older participants, particularly those aged 70 to 79, had a higher overall risk of SCD, regardless of antidepressant use, but still experienced a greater increase in risk with long-term medication use.
Mujkanovic noted that while antidepressants appear to increase the relative risk of SCD, especially among younger individuals, the absolute risk remains lower compared to older adults. This finding highlights the complexity of assessing the true cardiovascular risk associated with antidepressants, especially when considering factors like age and the severity of underlying conditions like depression.
Despite the potential cardiovascular risks, Mujkanovic stresses the importance of carefully managing depression, which is also a significant risk factor for SCD. The study ultimately underscores the need for further research to explore the long-term effects of antidepressants on heart health, particularly as they are commonly prescribed for mental health disorders.
The study sheds light on the complex relationship between antidepressant use and cardiovascular risk, urging healthcare providers to consider both the benefits and potential risks of these medications. For individuals taking antidepressants, especially for extended periods, it is crucial to monitor heart health closely and balance the need for mental health treatment with potential cardiovascular concerns. As the research continues, future studies will help refine our understanding of how to best manage both depression and heart health in the long term.
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- Depression & Sad: What is Difference?
- What To Do When You’Re Sad At Night: A Guide To Coping With Nighttime Blues
- Why Feel Sad Without Reason?
