Long-term use of antidepressants has been found to be associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in people under 39 and those over 50, according to new research presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s EHRA 2025 congress. The study, which analyzed data from Denmark between 2010 and the year before the follow-up, found that individuals exposed to antidepressants for six or more years had a significantly higher risk of SCD compared to those with one to five years of exposure.
The researchers found that the risk of SCD increased with age, but the association was not significant for people under 39 or over 80. For those aged 30-39, individuals exposed to antidepressants for six or more years were around five times more likely to suffer sudden cardiac death compared to those with one to five years of exposure.
The study suggests that long-term antidepressant use may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk and that exposure time could serve as a marker for underlying illness. The researchers also noted that behavioral factors, such as delayed health care seeking and poor cardiovascular health, might contribute to the increased risk of SCD in people taking antidepressants.
Overall, the study highlights the need for further research into the potential risks associated with long-term antidepressant use and the importance of monitoring cardiovascular health in individuals taking these medications.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-03-antidepressant-medication-linked-substantial-sudden.html