The prevalention of depression in in-patients is 33% and in patients with coronary disease /heart attack/ is 45%. The occuring of comorbid depression and heart attack is 16-22% but not recognized and not treated often.

To compare differences between male and female with heart attack and comorbid depression.

102 patients with diagnosis of heart attack were assessed for depression during the second week following heart attack, after week 12, 24, 52 and 76. 76% patient were diagnosed as having depression according DSM-IV.For assessment of depression HAMD and MADRS were used and CGI, Zung Rating Scale for Depression, Beck Anxiety Inventory, laboratory and internal parameters, number of rehospitalizations and morbidity.

In 76% patients with heart attack depressive symptoms were present (52% male). 37% male with comorbid depression /mostly not treated/ and acute heart attack died but only 13% male without depression. From 68% male without depression after heart attack nobody died.

We averaged more often occuring comorbid depression and heart attack in male /52 vs 46%/ and mortality in depressive male /mostly not treated/ is higher as in female. Number of rehospitalizations is higher in male /1.9x/ like in female /8x/ too in compare with controls.