Preliminary results from a new study showed that the risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) was more than twice as high in individuals who used antidepressants for 6 or more years compared with that in those not taking the medications. While the findings suggest a possible association between long-term antidepressant use and SCD, researchers caution that the results do not imply these medications are inherently dangerous or should be discontinued. It is also understood that depression itself is a known risk factor for SCD and that effective treatment can improve quality of life and support healthier lifestyle choices, which may in turn help reduce heart-related risks. The authors did however, find that depression itself is a known risk factor for SCD and that effective treatment can improve quality of life and support healthier lifestyle choices, which may in turn help reduce heart-related risks. Depression is linked to a 60% higher risk for heart disease, including SCD, a 50%-90% increased risk for life-threatening arrhythmias, and approximately double the risk for heart attack. Individuals with depression tend to die earlier than those in the general population — with men dying up to 14 years earlier and women dying up to 10 years earlier. And while suicide contributes to this excess mortality, it was acknowledged that the leading cause is poor physical health, and likely driven by an unhealthy lifestyle.

Antidepressants Linked to Sudden Cardiac Death Risk, Early Results Suggest - Medscape - April 02, 2025.

Daniel’s comment:

SSRIs and SNRIs, and other antidepressant medication are not cures but are prophylactic in nature. That is, they reduce and support the patient's symptoms (sometime and somewhat). Also, many prescriptions are written by medical doctors and not psychiatrists. Discontinuing antidepressants medication should always involve the consulting physician. However, the ultimate choice is always the patient. Recognising these factors as well as the evidence below, we need to offer support, either with cardiovascular support or a plan, approved by their doctor, to move away from SSRIs/NSRIs to a complementary approach