The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictors of depression in patients with various cardiovascular diseases. The role of groups (hospital or outpatient) was studied, intolerance to uncertainty and social support in explaining the expressed symptoms of depression. The mediating effect of perceived social support between the hospital and outpatient groups and depression was also studied. The hospital group consisted of 74 patients with acuteization of heart failure, with 56 males and 18 females aged between 39 and 89 years, while the outpatient group was formed by 74 patients with cardiovascular diseases without signs of acuteization of heart failure, with 36 males and 38 females aged between 27 and 80 years. Both groups completed the Questionnaire on patient health which assesses depression, the Questionnaire on intolerance to uncertainty and the ENRICHD questionnaire on social support. The results showed that the hospital group of patients has significantly higher levels of depression and significantly lower levels of perceived social support in relation to the outpatient group. The hospital group, with elevated inhibitory and prospective intolerance to uncertainty and lower perceived social support showed higher levels of depression. Perceived social support was a partial mediator in relation to the hospital group of patients and depression. The results suggest that, during the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart failure syndromes, it is necessary to assess the psychological functioning of patients in order to provide complete medical and psychological assistance.

heart failure, depression, intolerance to uncertainty, social support