“New research presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s EHRA 2025 congress reveals a troubling connection between long-term antidepressant use and a higher risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Conducted by Danish scientists, the study highlights potential heart health risks associated with extended antidepressant treatment.”
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is defined as an unexpected fatal heart event that typically occurs within one hour of symptom onset, or within 24 hours if the episode is unwitnessed. In a recent large-scale Danish study, researchers analyzed deaths among individuals aged 18 to 90 from the year 2010, using data from death certificates and autopsy reports. The findings revealed that those taking antidepressant medications faced a significantly higher risk of sudden cardiac death compared to non-users. The study reviewed a cohort of 643,999 antidepressant users against a general population of 4.3 million. Among antidepressant users, 1,981 SCD cases were recorded, compared to 4,021 cases in the unexposed group. Notably, the increased risk was observed across all age groups and was more pronounced with longer duration of antidepressant use.
After adjusting for factors like age, gender, and underlying health conditions, researchers found that individuals who had taken antidepressants for 1 to 5 years faced a 56% higher risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) compared to the general population. For those using the medications for six years or longer, the risk increased by more than 2.2 times. The study also showed that younger adults were disproportionately affected by long-term antidepressant use. Among individuals aged 30–39, the risk of SCD was nearly three times higher with 1 to 5 years of use and surged to five times higher with six or more years of exposure. In adults aged 50–59, the risk doubled with moderate-term use and rose fourfold with long-term use. Interestingly, the increased risk appeared to taper off in individuals over 70, with smaller differences noted between short- and long-term antidepressant use.
What Are Antidepressants?
Antidepressants are prescription drugs used to treat depression and related mood disorders. They help improve symptoms like persistent sadness, lack of interest, low energy, and sleep or appetite issues. Common conditions treated include major depressive disorder, bipolar depression, persistent depressive disorder (PDD), and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Often combined with therapy, antidepressants manage symptoms but may not address underlying causes. First introduced in the 1950s, they are now among the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S.What Conditions Do Antidepressants Treat?
Antidepressants are FDA-approved to treat several mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar depression, anxiety disorders (like GAD, OCD, panic disorder, and social anxiety), PTSD, and bulimia.