Abstract:\[Abstract\]ObjectiveTo investigate the endothelial function of chronic ischemia heart failure (CIHF) patients complicated with depression. MethodsThe depression statuses were evaluated by Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) in 56 patients with documented stable chronic ischemia heart failure. The patients were assigned to depression group (n=20) or non-depression group(n=36) based on their standard SDS scores. The flow-mediated dilation(FMD) of the brachial artery was assessed by ultrasound in the two groups, and the plasma ET-1 and NO levels were determined so as to evaluate the endothelial function. ResultsThe incidence of depression was 35.7% in the 56 patients. Patients in the depression group showed significantly lower FMD compared with the non-depression group(\[5.97±0.78\]% vs \[6.66±0.83\]%, P<0.05). Plasma NO level (\[48.90±9.82\] μmol/L vs \[55.13±10.32\] μmol/L, P<0.05) was lower and ET-1 level (\[83.35±13.39\] ng/L vs \[74.67±10.95\] ng/L, P<0.05) was higher in the depression group than in the non-depression group.ConclusionCIHF patients with depression have a more severe damage of endothelial function than those without depression.