Heart Rhythm

Long-term antidepressant use linked to higher sudden cardiac death risk

March 20, 2026

In a nationwide Danish cohort of 4.3 million adults, researchers found a clear duration‑ and recency‑dependent association between antidepressant therapy and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Among 6,002 SCDs, 32% occurred in antidepressant users. Risk rose with cumulative exposure: adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.41 for 1–5 years and 1.74 for ≥6 years of use. Recency further stratified risk—current users had the highest SCD risk (HR, 1.71), compared with recent (HR, 1.24) and remote users (HR, 1.11). Patterns were consistent across drug classes, including SSRIs (HR, 1.38 to 1.57) and tricyclic antidepressants (HR, 1.24 to 1.40).

Clinical takeaway: Patients on long‑term or ongoing antidepressant therapy represent a population with elevated SCD risk. Review cardiac history, reassess need for prolonged treatment, and maintain vigilant cardiovascular monitoring—especially for current, multi‑year users.

Source:

Mujkanovic J, et al. (2026, March 11). Heart Rhythm. Antidepressant treatment duration and risk of Sudden Cardiac Death: A Nationwide Cohort Study¹. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41825582/