Methods: This cross-sectional, analytical study included 245 inpatients (148 males, 97 females; mean age 63.5±13.8 years; range 20 to 98 years). All patients were administered a sociodemographical data form and hospital anxiety and depression scale. Smoking dependence was evaluated with the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence.

Results: Of current smoker patients, the mean Fagerstrom dependence score was 5.6±1.9 (range 1 to 10) and 40% was in the middle level of dependency. Of male patients, 45.9% and 17.6% were followed-up with diagnoses of myocardial infarction and unstable angina pectoris, respectively. Of female patients; 30.9%, 26.8%, and 22.7% were followed-up with diagnoses of arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, respectively. Of the patients, 53.9% (n=132) and 86.1% (n=211) were found to have anxiety and depression, respectively. No significant relationship was detected between age, economic status, and smoking status and anxiety and depression scores (p>0.05). Anxiety scores in married patients (11.6±4.3) were significantly higher than those of not married patients (9.8±3.7) (p=0.008). Anxiety and depression scores were significantly higher in employed individuals (11.6±4.2 vs 10.0±4.0; p=0.013) (12.0±3.8 vs 9.7±3.9; p<0.001), primary school and lower educated individuals (11.7±4.3 vs 10.1±3.9; p=0.009) (12.2±3.9 vs 9.8±3.7; p<0.001), and female gender (12.1±4.6 vs 10.6±3.8; p=0.005) (12.3±4.2 vs 11.0±3.8; p=0.009), respectively.

Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are common problems seen in inpatients in cardiology intensive care unit. Patients should be assessed by clinicians holistically in terms of biopsychosocial aspects. Detection of depression levels and related factors may facilitate adherence to treatment, reduce anxiety, and improve quality of life.