Long-term antidepressant use can increase risk of cardiac death

A new study presented at the European Society of Cardiology's EHRA 2025 congress reveals a concerning link between the use of antidepressants (AD) and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), particularly for those with prolonged use of the medication.

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Sudden cardiac death, defined as an unexpected fatality due to a heart-related issue, typically occurs within one hour of the onset of symptoms or within 24 hours in cases that are unwitnessed.

For individuals under 39, the primary causes are often thickening of the heart muscle or electrical problems with the heart, while in older individuals, it is more likely linked to narrowed blood vessels.

Previous studies have shown that individuals with psychiatric disorders face higher risks of both overall mortality and sudden cardiac death. However, the specific impact of antidepressant medications on SCD risk has remained unclear until now.

The latest research, conducted by scientists in Denmark, examined deaths among residents aged 18 to 90 years in 2010, reviewing death certificates and autopsy reports.

The study found that individuals exposed to antidepressant medications had a significantly higher incidence of sudden cardiac death compared to those not using such medications.