Identify and treat depression for reduced cardiac risk and improved outcomes.

Why do we stay in prison when the door is wide open? - Jalal ad-Din Rumi. Depression is an independent risk factor for the development of CAD. Patients with CAD have a high rate of depression, which worsens their prognosis. Screening CAD patients with the 2-question PHQ-2 to identify those at greatest risk of depression is strongly recommended, as is referring patients for further evaluation and possible treatment when depression has been identified by the PHQ-9. Treating depression is likely to improve cardiovascular outcomes. The PHQs are in the public domain and free to use. To download and for more information, visit www. phqscreeners.com.