A new study presented at the 2025 European Heart Rhythm Association Congress has raised concern over the long term cardiovascular safety profile of antidepressants. The research indicates that individuals using antidepressants for extended periods may face a significantly increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) compared with those who have never taken these medications.
This article explains the findings, explores expert opinions, and outlines steps for patients and clinicians who are concerned about antidepressant use and heart health.
Key Findings from Danish Population Analysis
The study, summarised in a press release on EurekAlert, examined Danish death records for the year 2010. It revealed a clear association between long term antidepressant therapy and the risk of sudden cardiac death.
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Denmark’s 4.3 million residents aged 18 to 90 in 2010 experienced 45,701 deaths, with 6,002 classified as sudden cardiac deaths (SCD).
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Of 643,999 individuals with recorded antidepressant exposure, 1,981 died from SCD.
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Those with 1 to 5 years of antidepressant exposure had a 56 per cent higher risk of SCD (hazard ratio approximately 1.56) compared with the unexposed population.
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Those with 6 or more years of exposure had more than double the risk (hazard ratio approximately 2.17) relative to unexposed individuals.
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In the 30 to 39 age group, individuals with 6 years or more of exposure had five times the risk of SCD.
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In the 50 to 59 age group, 1 to 5 years of use doubled the risk, whereas 6 years or more of use quadrupled it.
Interpretation and Caveats from Experts
The Science Media Centre provided expert reactions to the study, cautioning that the results are observational and cannot establish direct causation. Depression itself is associated with higher cardiovascular risk, arrhythmias and lifestyle factors that may contribute to sudden cardiac death.
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Dr Paul Keedwell observed that antidepressant use might be a marker for greater disease burden rather than a direct cause of sudden death.
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Professor Glyn Lewis emphasised that the association does not prove causality and may reflect confounding by lifestyle or comorbidities.
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Cardiologist Dr Charles Pearman highlighted that absolute risk remains low and some antidepressants can prolong the QT interval, which may increase the risk of arrhythmias.
Medscape noted that the study did not differentiate between antidepressant drug classes (such as SSRIs and tricyclics) and did not analyse sex differences.
Recommendations for Patients and Clinicians
Because the study does not prove causation, experts recommend careful monitoring rather than abrupt discontinuation of medication.
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Consult your physician before making changes to antidepressant therapy.
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Baseline cardiac evaluation can identify pre-existing heart rhythm abnormalities.
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Routine ECG monitoring may help identify arrhythmic changes early in long term therapy.
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Optimise cardiovascular risk factors such as diet, exercise, blood pressure and smoking cessation to reduce overall risk.
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Discuss antidepressant choices with a healthcare provider to select medications with lower cardiac risk profiles when possible.
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Review the ongoing need for therapy periodically with your physician.
Public Health and Research Implications
The study highlights a potential public health concern as more people start antidepressants at younger ages and remain on them for years. Future research should disentangle the effects of depression itself from those of antidepressant medications and should identify which drug classes carry the greatest risk.
The Danish analysis presented at EHRA 2025 adds to evidence that long term antidepressant use may be associated with an elevated risk of sudden cardiac death. Patients should not stop taking antidepressants on their own but should discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. Clinicians should consider periodic cardiac evaluation and encourage healthy lifestyle changes to minimise cardiovascular risk.
If you are currently taking antidepressants and are concerned about your heart health, speak to your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.