Purpose: Depression and anxiety has been related to a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease, but the mechanism that accounts for this association is unclear The aim of our study was to investigate the association between history of depressive episode and anxiety and presence of low-grade systemic inflammation as measured by serum C-reactive protein in postoperative period of coronary angioplasty (PCA) and aorto-coronary bypass graft surgery (CABG).

Methods: The research was performed in 80 patients (n=80), mean age 60±15 years. These patients have no high cholesterol level, high body mass index and n= 64 (80%) of them are no smoker. To evaluate depression we used Beck depression scale. Anxiety was assessed by the Spilberger State-trait anxiety scale. CRP was measured in venous blood.

Results: In angioplasty group patients who had increased level of CRP had high degree of depression and trait anxiety p=0.001; p<0.001. In aorto-coronary bypass graft surgery group elevated level of CRP was also associated with high degree of depression p=0.001. In PCA and CABG groups patients who were rehospitalized with signs and symptoms of heart failure (NYHA II-III) during 2 year follow up period had high and moderate degree of depression p = 0.003 and anxiety p=0.001 (state anxiety p = 0.001; trait anxiety p = 0.001).

Conclusions: Our study demonstrated association between depression, anxiety and increased c-reactive protein level. These results may have important implications in explaining the pathophysiological mechanisms linking depression and anxiety to cardiovascular disease.