Association between anxiety disorders and medication adherence in patients with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies - Scorecard - MDSpire

Association between anxiety disorders and medication adherence in patients with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

  • By

  • Tingting Wang

  • Zhiyong Li

  • Yunjie Wei

  • Xiaofei Zhang

  • Qianjiao Yuan

  • Xiaohong Zhang

  • Xuying Li

  • Qinqin Lei

  • October 21, 2025

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Link Between Anxiety Disorders and Medication Compliance in Cardiovascular Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Research

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionCardiovascular diseases with co-occurring anxiety disorders
Key MechanismsAnxiety disorders impair cognitive focus, energy, and motivation, leading to reduced medication adherence which increases morbidity and mortality in CV patients
Target PopulationAdults aged 18 years and older diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and anxiety disorders
Care SettingOutpatient and clinical settings managing cardiovascular disease patients

Key Highlights

  • Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, with significant mortality and economic burden.
  • Poor adherence to cardiovascular medications is linked to increased mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs.
  • Anxiety disorders are prevalent in CV patients and negatively impact medication adherence, contributing to worse outcomes.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Use standardized questionnaires or clinical diagnosis to identify anxiety disorders in CV patients.

Management

  • Address anxiety disorders as part of comprehensive cardiovascular disease management to improve medication adherence.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Regularly assess medication adherence and psychological well-being in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Risks

  • Recognize that untreated anxiety can lead to poor medication adherence, increasing risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Adults with cardiovascular disease and coexisting anxiety disorders

Improving medication adherence by managing anxiety can reduce cardiovascular events and mortality; a 20% adherence improvement correlates with an 8% reduction in CV events and 12% reduction in mortality.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Incorporate routine screening for anxiety disorders in cardiovascular disease patients.
  • Implement multidisciplinary approaches including psychological support to enhance medication adherence.
  • Educate patients on the impact of anxiety on treatment adherence and cardiovascular outcomes.

References

Original Source(s)

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